Capacity of Absorption and Removal of Heavy Metals from Scirpus californicus and Its Potential Use in the Remediation of Polluted Aquatic Environment

Abstract

The research aimed to evaluate the absorption and removal capacity of Cu, Pb, Fe and Zn from Scirpus californicus for potential use in the remediation of polluted aquatic environments. Initially, Scirpus californicus plants were conditioned in 1.5 liters of 10 ppm Cu solution at a pH of 2.3 as well as Pb, Fe and Zn. Subsequently, the concentration of heavy metals in the root-rhizome, submerged stem and aerial stem was determined; the solution and pH were also analyzed. The greatest capacity of absorption and accumulation occurred in the root-rhizome reaching values for Cu of 491.84, Pb of 739.43, Zn of 830.71 and Fe of 2624.72 mg/kg dry followed by the submerged stem and low values for the aerial stem. The removal efficiency of Cu from the solution was 52.10%, Pb 53.50%, Fe 48.00% and Zn 50.20%. It is concluded that the contact time has a significant effect on the absorption and removal capacity of the metals under study.