Ensuring Sustainability via Application of Root Zone Technology in a Rubber Product Industry: A Circular Economy Approach

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has led to the exploitation of water quality and quantity. Urban growth and its activities result in the pollution of freshwater by generating different types of waste. Root Zone Technology (RZT) has successfully been adopted and employed in several countries to promote sustainable development. RZT paves the way for the incorporation of automated dynamics into an artificial soil ecosystem. This study’s primary goal was to develop a water treatment process for industrial effluents naturally and effectively using RZT. The technology adopts layers of coarse and fine aggregates, charcoal, sand, and planted filter beds consisting of compost media to treat effluents; the system is easily installed, low-maintenance, and has low operational costs. Selected plants achieved a result of 50–80% pollutant removal. RZT reduces the characteristics of effluents, such as chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, pH, color, TSS, TDS, BOD, COD, etc., by a more significant amount. Further studies of more plant species should be performed to improve this technology. Soil tests will also be an excellent option for understanding the concepts of reed absorption mechanisms. In addition, incorporating modeling in agricultural systems will be beneficial for future studies.