Abstract

THE ROLE OF PHYTOREMEDIATION IN REMEDIATION OF INDUSTRIAL WASTE

Ugya A.Y., Imam T.S. and Tahir S.M.

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the role of phytoremediation in the remediation of industrial waste water since this waste water has become a treat to water quality. Several technologies are available to remediate water that is contaminated by industrial pollutant. However, many of these technologies are costly (e.g. excavation of contaminated material and chemical/physical treatment) or do not achieve a longterm nor aesthetic solution. Phytoremediation can provide a costeffective, long-lasting and aesthetic solution for remediation of contaminated sites. In many cases, especially in tropical or subtropical areas, invasive plants such as the water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and water lettuce (P. stratiotes L.) are used in these phytoremediation water systems. This is because, compared to native plants, these invasive plants show a much higher nutrient removal efficiency with their high nutrient uptake capacity, fast growth rate, and big biomass production. In the active growth season, for instance, water hyacinth plants can double in number and biomass in 6 to 15 days. This study shows the important of phytoremediation in the phytoremediation of industrial waste.

Keywords: Lemna minor, Pistia stratiotes, Eicchornia crassipes, Azolla pinnata, Waste water.