Purification Technology Using the Rhizosphere of Plants - March 2004

Purification Technology Using the Rhizosphere of Plants - March 2004

Purification technology using the rhizosphere of plants, introduced in Provence and the Ruhr River basin in southern France, is attracting attention as a low-cost sewage treatment method suitable for municipalities with small populations. The technology uses nitrogen-fixing microorganisms such as Azotobacter and Rhizobium bacteria that live in the rhizosphere of plants to effectively remove organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus. 1,000 cubic meters per day of treatment capacity and 30% less energy than conventional chemical treatment. In addition, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced, making it a highly regarded sustainable solution. Facilities operated by Veolia Environnement use this technology to treat sewage, reducing conventional maintenance costs by about 20%. The technology has also been implemented in Bavaria, Germany, where it is helping to protect water sources in forested areas.