Phytoaccumulation of zinc by the aquatic plant, Lemna gibba L.
The uptake of zinc (Zn) by the duckweed Lemna gibba L., native to the north-east region of Algeria, was investigated in quarter Coïc solutions enriched with 6.0, 10.0, 14.0 and 18.0 mg l(-1) of Zn supplied as zinc sulphate (ZnSO(4)). Zinc concentrations were measured in the water daily and in duckweed biomass at the end of the experiments. These results showed that under experimental conditions (pH=6.0+/-0.1, T=21+/-1 degrees C, photoperiod=12 h/j), L. gibba was able to accumulate in its biomass 4.23; 15.62; 23.88 and 25.81 mg g(-1) DM, respectively for the four initial concentrations selected. At these concentrations, the metal removed percentages were 61-71%. The mass balance performed on the system showed that about 49-68% of Zn (depending on the initial concentration in water) was removed by precipitation as zinc phosphate. The results showed that this aquatic plant can be successfully used for Zn removal.
Khellaf
Nabila
N
Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Badji Mokhtar University, P.O. Box 12, 23000 Annaba, Algeria. khellafdaas@yahoo.fr
Zerdaoui
Mostefa
M
D000462:Algeria; D029064:Araceae / Q000378:metabolism*; D018533:Biomass; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008670:Metals / Q000737:chemistry; D010710:Phosphates / Q000737:chemistry; D017440:Photoperiod; D018514:Plant Structures / Q000737:chemistry; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism; D013696:Temperature; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods; D015032:Zinc / Q000737:chemistry*; D019287:Zinc Sulfate / Q000737:chemistry
D008670:Metals; D010710:Phosphates; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D019287:Zinc Sulfate; D015032:Zinc