Phytoremediation system for treating metals in ceramic industry wastewater

Abstract

Phytoremediation system using aquatic plants is increasingly being applied by researchers due to its capability in metal removal. The study is aimed at evaluating the potential of selected aquatic plants by phytoremediation system to remove selected elements in ceramic industrial wastewater namely boron, copper, cadmium, chromium, ferum, manganese, and zinc. The system was tested with different types of plant, namely water hyacinth, water lettuce, and water spinach. Based on different plants, control and free flow method with hydroponic tank were applied in order to compare the effectiveness of circulation method by phytoremediation system. Phytoremediation system with applied volume of wastewater at 0.024m3 using three columns of phyto-rig was prepared to treat contaminants in ceramic wastewater using different plants within 11 days of treatment. Metal concentration analysis is determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The accumulation of contaminants in the plants was identified using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Phytoremediation, which is a natural method, reduced the contaminants up to 90% by translocating metals in roots, leaves and shoots of the selected plants. Water hyacinth shows a ratio of removal percentage where Cr=Zn=Fe>Cd>Mn>Cu>B. Meanwhile, water lettuce shows removal percentage in the following order Fe=Zn>Cr=Cd>Mn>B>Cu. The ratio result of water spinach shows the removal whereZn>Cd>Fe>Mn>Cr>B>Cu. Based on the application of three types of plants, water hyacinth is the best phytoremediator as it can absorb high concentrations of contaminants. The concentration of metals in roots is much higher than in leaves and stems. This study successfully proved that these three plants are a good phytoremediator with high potential to remove contaminants in ceramic wastewater and will provide a useful guideline for on-site treatment.