PHYTOREMEDIATION OF INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER: A STUDY

摘要

Phytoremediation is the process of the removal of hazardous substances from soil or ground water contaminated with municipal and industrial wastes by plants. In our study, phytoremediation of copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) was observed. The purpose of this research work was to remove copper, iron and zinc from industrial wastewater (effluent) by aquatic plants. Aquatic plants have been regarded biofilters and purifiers of small and large water bodies. They are capable of accumulating various contaminants to a concentration several order of magnitude higher than in the surrounding medium. The need for better and efficient system for remediation of wastewater led to the present investigation. An attempt to use few aquatic weeds for wastewater remediation was made. Through survey of the local water bodies at Ujjain was made and commonly occurring plant species (mostly weeds) were selected. Plants namely Hydrodictyon reticulata (L) lagerh, Wolffia arrhiza Wimm. And Hydrilla verticillata Royal, were assessed for their potential to remediate industrial effluent of Steel Tubes of India Ltd., Dewas (M.P.). Various wastewater (effluent) parameters such as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Alkalinity (TA), Chlorides (Cl) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were assessed for the wastewater quality analysis following standard methods proposed by American Public Health Association (APHA). Three heavy metals namely copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) existing predominantly in the effluent were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) Perkin Elmer model 2380. The algae Hydrodictyon reticulata appeared to be promising for removal of all the three heavy metals and lowering of chemical oxygen demand (COD), Wolffia appeared to be the second best species for remediation as it could increase the Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Hydrilla third in rank for the overall quality improvement. Almost all the plants were effective and efficient at 10 to 25% concentration of the effluent. More of such studies are required to have best suited biosystem for remediation of wastewater. It could be cost effective, low cost, ecofriendly and affordable toe very small and low budgeted industry.