Azolla Pinnata as Phytoremediation Agent of Iron (Fe) in Ex Sand Mining Waters

Abstract

Phytoremediation is one effective method used for reducing the iron (Fe) from waters. Azolla pinnata is a plant that has potential as an agent of phytoremediation of Fe in waters. This study aims to verify the ability of Azolla pinnata to reduce Fe from sand excavated water in Pasir Sakti District, East Lampung Regency, Indonesia. The study was conducted with three treatments. The treatments of 25% cover area, 50% cover area, and 75% cover of Azolla pinnata, with three replications each. The experiments were carried out until the water quality became suitable for aquaculture. The results showed that the area cover of Azolla pinnata had a different effect (P <0.05) on the decrease in iron concentration in the water. The treatment with 75% cover area of Azolla pinnata, showed a reduction percentage of iron concentration of 98.10%. It is the most significant reduction percentage of iron. Whereas the treatment with 25% and 50% Azolla pinnata cover area of succeeded in reducing the concentration of Fe in water 92.5% and 93.3% respectively.