Efficiency of Heliconia psittacorum and Canna indica in wastewater treatment, Kimpa Vita University, Angola

Authors

  • Mampuya Kinda Fidele Instituto Politécnico, Universidade Kimpa Vita, Angola
  • Lucau Micael Nzuzi Universidade Kimpa Vita, Angola
  • Moyo Mayifuila Universidade Kimpa Vita, Angola
  • Makengo Ndala Didáctica de Disciplinas Científicas

Keywords:

Constructed filters, Heliconia psittacorum, Canna indica, wastewater, Kimpa Vita University.

Abstract

This study focuses on using local macrophytes to treat domestic wastewater under vertical flow regimes in a tropical climate. The main objective of the research is to evaluate the removal efficiency of Heliconia psittacorum and Canna indica, local plants from the Northern region of Angola, for domestic wastewater treatment in peri-urban and rural areas (at Kimpa Vita University), using macrophyte filters. The experiment used an experimental system with macrophyte filters and a non-vegetated filter as a control. The systems were irrigated with a hydraulic retention time of 7 days and a weekly rest period. Samples of raw and treated effluents were collected and analyzed in an accredited international reference laboratory. Statistical analysis of the data showed an abnormal distribution, and the Kruskal-Wallis test indicated the absence of statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between the systems regarding the removal of carbon dioxide (COD, BOD5, and TSS), nutrients (NT), and microbiological indicators (Escherichia coli, total coliforms, and enterococci), although some parameters showed removal efficiencies lower than 30%. Furthermore, the Canna indica system showed a higher hydraulic conductivity of 2040 mL.min-1, attributed to the development of its roots and rhizomes, which allows it to withstand hydraulic overloads.

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Published

2026-09-02

How to Cite

Fidele, M. K., Nzuzi, L. M. ., Mayifuila, M. ., & Ndala, M. . (2026). Efficiency of Heliconia psittacorum and Canna indica in wastewater treatment, Kimpa Vita University, Angola. ALBA - ISFIC RESEARCH AND SCIENCE JOURNAL, 1(12), 312–330. Retrieved from https://www.alba.ac.mz/index.php/alba/article/view/1098

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 12 (2026): ISSUE 12, VOLUME 01, 1ST EDITION, SEPTEMBER 2026

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Mampuya Kinda Fidele, Lucau Micael Nzuzi, Moyo Mayifuila, Makengo Ndala

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