Phytoremediation of Waste Water Containing Phenol by Salix Matsudana Seedlings and their Physiological Response

Abstract

In order to study the tolerance and removal capability of Salix matsudana to phenol wastewater, we determined the effects of different concentrations of phenol on the photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and enzyme activities of S. matsudana cut seedlings and their purification effects to phenol using hydroponics. The results show that wastewater containing 30 mg L-1 and 60 mg L-1 phenol increased Pn, Gs and Tr of S. matsudana, however, the maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) of PSII changed little. When the concentration of phenol increased to 90 mg L-1-180 mg L-1, Pn and Fv/Fm of S. matsudana were significantly lower than those in the control group, while the Ci increased significantly. The 30 mgL-1-150 mgL-1 of phenol can increase the SOD and POD activities in leaves and roots of S. matsudana and the 180 mgL-1 of phenol decreased their activities. The percent removal of phenol decreased with increasing concentration of phenol ranging from 87% to 98% in 10 days. In conclusion, S. matsudana can be used to purify waste water containing phenol in concentration less than 150 mg L-1.