Floating macrophytes efficiency for removing of heavy metals and phenol from wastewaters

Abstract

This study evaluates the use of free floating aquatic macrophytes (Lemna gibba L., Lemnaceae. and Pistia stratiotes L., Araceae) for the treatment and purification of waste polluted water in a laboratory experiment. The results revealed that Lemna gibba L. has a higher removal efficiency reached to about 88% for the tested heavy metals and phenol from the waste polluted water, while Pistia stratiotes L. has a removal efficiency reached to about 83% for heavy metals and phenol. They are considered good models in assessing Eco- toxicity and efficiency for toxins removal from polluted environment and wastewater purification and treatment.