CWL plants and uses
Jacky Foo
++++++
CWL plants and uses
Submitted by Hanns Pitot on Thu, 26/07/2007 - 12:44.
In principle, I agree with MP Singh that the main thrust of CWL design
has to be on engineering properties of plants. Depending on the
surroundings, looks will also play an important role (as mentioned by
Jacky). Income can be generated by waste water irrigation rather that
within the CWL itself.
But commercal uses of plants may still be interesting as a positive
'side effect' of a CWL, helping with improving with the economics.
In the following, I have added main commercial uses or features to my
list of CWL plants. Please feal free to improve on it!
Grasses:
- Chrysopogon (Vetiveria), uses: essential oils
- Phragmites, uses: roofing material
- Glyceria
Typha (cattail), uses: weaving mats, chairs
Canna, attractive flowers
Cyperus papyrus, historical use: paper
Schoenopectus (bulrush), uses: weaving mats, etc.
Juncus (rush), uses: weaving
Greetings,
Hanns-André Pitot
Member of the AT-Association
Am Steinacker 42
38723 Seesen
Germany
Tel./Fax: -49-5381-5468
E-mail: hap...@yahoo.com
Jacky Foo
+++++
alternative grasses
Submitted by Dick Grimshaw on Fri, 27/07/2007 - 03:19.
I think you miss the point, all these other grasses do not have the
same charctersitics as vetiver. Lemon grass does not have the same
root system, it does not have longevity, and so on. compared to most
other grasses vetiver can produce very high yields of biomass, and
because of its unique root physiology it can survive total submersion
etc. I can't go in to all the details - but just summarize by saying
that vetiver is unique. Vetiver when planted around ponds actually
purifies the water - does lemon grass do this.
Dick
Jacky Foo
+++++
grasses
Submitted by Jacky Foo on Fri, 27/07/2007 - 07:59.
Dear Dick G
DG>I think you miss the point, all these other
>grasses do not have the same charctersitics
>as vetiver.......(cut)...very high yields
>of biomass,.....unique root physiology ...
>......purifies the water ......
There is no doubt that you have found a super grass for absorbing
nutrients and its application in wastewater treatment. The next time I
have a chance to do a tank treatment system, I will also try Vetiver.
I am sure Vetiver will prove an excellent candidate when it comes to
tratement rate per unit area in advanced systems (e.g. greenhouse or
roofed systems).
The question I raised was whether the lemon grass (a commercial plant)
has any secondary role as a water cleaner ? (since it is related to
Vetiver).
I put that question also because we have 3 experts on Vetiver here. My
google search did not yield any useful info. I dont have access to any
scientific abstract/article database.
I used Typha (cattail) in Kampala as a clarifier i.e. makes water
clear. This has been attributed to the protein in the starchy root
system which is like a flocculant.
To let my imagination run wild.... I wonder if lemon grass could de-
odourise water and give treated wastewater a lemon grass scent ????
-----
Jacky Foo
http://www.iobbnet.org
Jacky Foo
++++++
Vetiver medicinal
Submitted by Dick Grimshaw on Fri, 27/07/2007 - 21:07.
Vetiver grass has a number of medicinal characteristics. It purifies
(antiseptic) drinking water, and in Senegal a few of its roots are
bottled with mineral water. Frankly I would not bother with lemon
grass - vetiver is so much better in all respects
Regards
Dick Grimshaw