An Integrated Bioremediation Approach Combining Aquatic Macrophytes and EM4 for Nitrogen Compound Reduction in Bima Bay

¹ Department of Public Health, State University of Malang, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
² Mechanical Engineering Departement, State University of Malang, Malang East Java, Indonesia
³ Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
⁴ Regional Research and Inovation Agency of Bima City, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
⁵ Health Office of Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
⁶ Social Security Agency on Health, Malang, East Java, Indonesia

^* Corresponding vernicia.humairo.fik@um.ac.id

Abstract

Bima Bay, a critical coastal ecosystem in Indonesia, faces escalating nutrient pollution from anthropogenic activities, leading to elevated concentrations of nitrogen compounds (NO₂, NO₃, NH₃) that threaten aquatic biodiversity and water quality. Recently, parts of the bay experienced a visible seawater pollution, making the area appear deserted from a distance. This study introduces an innovative bioremediation model that integrates three aquatic macrophytes, namely Ipomoea aquatica, Pistia stratiotes, and Eichhornia crassipes, with EM4 (Effective Microorganism 4, a solution containing a concentrate of beneficial microorganisms) to remediate nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia. Experimental treatments combined aquatic plants with and without EM4, with pre- and post-measurement of NO3, NO2, and NH3. In addition, variations in NO3, NO2, and NH3 concentrations were observed, determined by differences in the treatments combining aquatic plants with varying EM4 concentrations. Results indicate variations in nitrogen compound concentrations across treatments, demonstrating that combining aquatic plants with EM4 enhances pollutant removal in water treatment systems. The most effective intervention for reducing NO3, NO2, and NH3 in Bima Bay was achieved using an EM4-to-water ratio of 1:20. The study highlights the potential of this integrated model as a low-cost, sustainable solution for remediation management in tropical coastal ecosystems, particularly in resource-limited settings such as Bima Bay.