Phytoremediation of Lead(II) Using Aquatic plants

Abstract

Phytoremediation is considered a a possible method for the removal of pollutants present in wastewater and recognized as a better green remediation technology. Three types of aquatic plants, i.e. water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes Linn.), hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) and duckweed (Lemna perpusilla Torr.), were investigated for the adsorption efficiency of lead(II) ions from synthetic wastewater. The results showed that hydrilla and duckweed at 5 ppm and 10 ppm concentration were dipped plants for 2 days can absorb 100%, but the hydrilla at 10 ppm can withstand the adsorption of lead(II) in the plant longer than duckweed for 4 days. In addition, the water lettuce at 5 ppm was dipped the plant for 2 days duration can absorb 97.886%. According to the hydrilla contained all parts of the plant under water, which may be able to absorb heavy metals contaminated in water and duckweed is small plant, short roots, and able to cover the area of the water well. While the water lettuce has a large long root, and has the ability to spread covering a small area. Therefore, the lead(II) adsorption efficiency of hydrilla > duckweed > water lettuce, respectively