title: Arsenic removal from waters by bioremediation with the aquatic plants Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and Lesser Duckweed (Lemna minor).
abstract: In this study the removal of arsenic by the Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and Lesser Duckweed (Lemna minor) was monitored under a concentration of 0.15mgL(-1) of the element. Plant densities were 1kg/m2 for Lesser Duckweed and 4kg/m2 for Water Hyacinth on a wet basis. The arsenic was determined in foliar tissue and water samples by hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy. The element was monitored as a function of time during 21 days. No significant differences were found in the bioaccumulation capability of both species. The removal rate for L. minor was 140mg As/had with a removal recovery of 5%. The Water Hyacinth had a removal rate of 600mg As/had and a removal recovery of 18%, under the conditions of the assay. The removal efficiency of Water Hyacinth was higher due to the biomass production and the more favorable climatic conditions. This specie represents a reliable alternative for arsenic bioremediation in waters.
authors.affiliation: Universidad Nacional Experimental Politécnica Antonio José de Sucre Vice-rectorado de Barquisimeto, Dpto. de Ingeniería Química, Barquisimeto, Edo. Lara, Venezuela.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alvarado
authors.forename: Magdiel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guédez
authors.forename: Marcó P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Lué-Merú
authors.forename: Graterol
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: Anzalone
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alvaro
authors.forename: Arroyo C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Jesús
authors.forename: Záray
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Gyula
mesh_terms: D029064:Araceae / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D001151:Arsenic / Q000032:analysis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D031806:Eichhornia / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D013997:Time Factors; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000302:isolation & purification*
chemical_list: D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D014867:Water; D001151:Arsenic