The Potential of Nodule-forming Bacteria (Sesbania rostrata) to Eliminate Phosphate and Nitrate from Sugarcane Industry Wastewater

This study aims to establish the effectiveness of nodule bacteria from Sesbania in eliminating nitrate (NO₃) and phosphate (PO₄) in wastewater from the sugarcane industry. The experiment was carried out for 60 days in which the wastewater was availed for treatment and Sesbania plants were modified with nodule bacteria. The NO₃ concentration of the untreated sewage was 85 mg/L while the PO₄ concentration was 45 mg/L. Finally, at the end of the treatment period, NO₃ concentrations were lowered to 27 mg/L which was an average reduction of 68% elimination of PO₄ concentration in the water which was finally at 11 mg/L an average of 75% reduction from the initial concentration of 45 mg/L. The study also noted the increased plant biomass of Sesbania, which indicated improved health and normalcy in the nodulation process by the bacteria. The findings show that it is feasible to use Sesbania-associated nodule bacteria as a bioremediation agent in the sugarcane industry effluent solution which removes or reduces the poisonous nutrient causing danger to the ecosystem. From these studies, this method is potentially a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way of dealing with wastewater issues common in the agricultural industries. Subsequent studies could also perfect the means of applying the biological treatment and examine the possibility of propelling it to a more extensive range of industries.