Phytoremediation of liquid waste electroplating using Salvinia sp.

Abstract

Liquid waste of chromium electroplating can cause water pollution if not treated. The negative impact of chromium can be minimized with water weeds such as Salvinia molesta and Salvinia natans. The objective of this research was to compare the effectiveness between S. molesta and S. natans as a phytoremediator and the best time exposure. The research design was Randomized Completely Block Design. The main plot was the biomass of S. molesta and S.natans 50 g (B1), 100 g (B2), and 150 g (B3). The subplot was the time of exposure, which consists of 1 day (T1), 6 days (T2), and 12 days (T3). There were 24 treatment combinations, and each treatment was repeated three times. Observed parameters include Cr in water, pH, DO, and TSS. Data were analyzed by Anova and followed by Tukey’s test. This research showed that both S. molesta and S. natans were effective in decreasing Cr in water and TSS in the opposite increase of pH and DO. The most effective treatment was biomass of Salvinia 150 g and 12 days of time exposure. Both of S. molesta and S.natans can be used as phytoremediators to improve water quality, while S. molesta is more effective than S.natans. Biomass of S. molesta 150 g and 12 days were effective treatments to improve the water quality of chromium electroplating.