A SMART APPROACH OF QUALITY BY DESIGN TOWARDS PHYTOREMEDIATION

Abstract

This review article addresses the inherent variability and lack of process control in phytoremediation, a promising green technology for water treatment. We propose a novel framework by applying the principles of Quality by Design (QbD), a systematic approach from the pharmaceutical industry, to a water hyacinth-based system. This framework defines the desired water quality as Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) and identifies Critical Process Parameters (CPPs), such as plant density, treatment duration and water pH, that must be actively controlled. By leveraging Process Analytical Technology (PAT) for real-time monitoring, this model transforms phytoremediation into a reliable, scalable, and reproducible engineering solution. The QbD approach ensures consistent performance, mitigates risks and provides a robust, data-driven strategy for achieving regulatory compliance.