Assessment of the potential of duckweed (Lemna minor l.) in treating lead-contaminated water through phytoremediation in stationary and recirculated set-ups

Abstract

The problems of heavy metal contamination in water have become alarming and necessitate efficient remediation. However, conventional water and wastewater treatment techniques are considered costly, and some are even not environment-friendly. These problems trigger the idea of utilizing plants in the treatment process of metal-contaminated water. The current work investigated the potential of duckweed (Lemna minor L.) in treating lead-contaminated water through phytoremediation. The duckweed was used as bioaccumulator of lead (Pb) in the prepared stationary and recirculated set-ups at 3, 6, and 9 d. The physicochemical characteristics such as pH, BOD5, DO, turbidity, and temperature of the influent and effluent were compared. The highest bioaccumulation of 62.8% was achieved at 3 d in the recirculated set-up. The result of the analysis showed that duckweed has the potential in phytoremediation considering better quality effluent. The concentration of Pb in the effluent of 0.93 mg/L in the recirculated set-up with duckweed in 3 d was much lower compared to the initial concentration in the influent at 2.5 mg/L. This study demonstrated that duckweed could be a suitable plant for Pb removal from water with big implications in remediating heavy metal-con-taminated water from various industries.