Pengaruh Tumbuhan Air Genjer (Limnocharis flava L.), Mata Lele (Lemna minor L.) Dan Paku Air (Azolla pinnata R.Br.) Serta Bobot Biomassa Terhadap Kualitas Limbah Cair Tahu

Abstrak

Most tofu processing industries are home-based with limited capital and facilities, often generating liquid waste containing organic and inorganic compounds that increase BOD, COD, TSS, and reduce dissolved oxygen levels, negatively impacting the environment. Phytoremediation using aquatic plants is an alternative method for treating tofu wastewater. The biomass of aquatic plants is directly related to their ability to absorb pollutants. In this study, three aquatic plants—Genjer (Limnocharis flava L.), Duckweed (Lemna minor L.), and Azolla (Azolla pinnata R.Br.)—were used at different weights to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing COD, BOD, TSS, and ammonia levels in tofu wastewater. The aims of this research are: (1) to obtain the best plant types and weights in reducing pollutant parameters, and (2) to obtain the most effective interaction between plant types and weights. A factorial randomized block design was used with two factors: plant combination (T1–T7) and plant weight (0.1 kg, 0.2 kg, and 0.3 kg). A clean water control with plants was also included. Each treatment was replicated three times. Water quality parameters (BOD, COD, TSS, and ammonia) were measured weekly on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. The results indicate that Genjer (T1) and the combination of Genjer and Mata Lele (T4) were effective in reducing COD, BOD, and TSS levels, while T4 and Mata Lele (T2) were more effective in reducing ammonia concentrations. Lower plant weights (0.1 kg and 0.2 kg) were better for reducing COD, BOD, and TSS, whereas 0.3 kg was more effective for ammonia reduction.

Kata kunci

• Biomass weight
• Duckweed
• Genjer
• Tofu wastewater quality
• azolla