Phytoremediation as an Alternative for Treatment of Paper Industry Effluents by Using Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)-A Polishing Treatment

Abstract

Phytoremediation offers greater potentials to remediate contaminated water over conventional and costly methods. Phytoremediation potential of Eichhornia crassipes was studied in vitro for the period of 15 days to investigate the removal of pollutants in paper industry effluent with special reference to nutrients. Paper plant effluents were collected and stored in 5 L bottle for the culture of Eichhornia crassipes. Waste water was initially analyzed for physicochemical parameters i.e. pH, conductivity, TDS, DO, BOD, COD, turbidity, total phosphorous and TKN, NPP and heavy metal. After 15 days, of phytoremediation different physical, chemical, biological parameters were measured and Net primary productivity (NPP) was determined. This experiment was repeated several times and finally the mean value of data has been interpreted. Several studies shows plants such as the water hyacinth accumulate inorganic forms of nitrogen and phosphorus found in waste water and accumulate to a large extent in the roots, as well as different part of the plant. This quality signifies a second possible use for the water hyacinth as 'compost', or organic fertilizer. Water hyacinth has the capability to accumulate heavy metal as well, which was analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).Water hyacinths absorb and digest waste water pollutants, converting effluents to relatively clean water. As well as due to its fiber nature it will also use as raw material for paper production.so it has been concluded that this plant emerged is a potential tool for treatment of paper mill effluent.