A comparative study of evaluating the ability on Eichhornia crassipes and Enydra fluctuans to remove heavy metals in water in Vietnam

Abstract

Aquatic plants have high effectiveness in removing organic and inorganic contaminants, and heavy metals. Eichhornia crassipes and Enydra fluctuans are both popular plants in Vietnam, with fast growth and no need to take care of because these two plants easily live in the natural environment. The focus of this study was on the utilization of Eichhornia crassipes and Enydra fluctuans to treat heavy metals in water. The research was conducted on healthy, young plants from the natural environment. Selection of qualifying plants that match the criteria, such as the absence of pests and the roots were not too old. Concentrations of 0.5 mg/L Cd, 0.5 mg/L As, 2 mg/L Pb, 5 mg/L Zn, and 5 mg/L Cu were placed in five separate pots, each containing 100 g of Eichhornia crassipes. Same as above with 100g of Enydra fluctuans in each pot. After 30 days, for all heavy metals (Cd, As, Pb, Zn, and Cu), the cleaning rates of the Eichhornia crassipes ranged from from 59.4–92.5%. The cleaning rate of Enydra fluctuans for all heavy metals ranging from 40.5 – 83.4%. Besides, Plants still grow and develop well in environments with heavy metal pollution. Based on this information, it can be inferred that Eichhornia crassipes and Enydra fluctuans are aquatic plants with a high potential to remove heavy metals in water and improve the ecological environment.