Pollution Control: The Cleaning Efficiency of Water Hyacinth (Eichornia Crassipes) in Industrial Effluents

Abstract

The ability of the water hyacinth plant to clean industrial effluents of their pollutants was investigated. Effluents from fourteen industries (two of each type) were collected, the pH adjusted to 6.5 to 7.5 and water hyacinth plants were cultured in them for seven days. Results show that the effluents were completely cleaned of their heavy metals contents, which included lead, iron, zinc, chromium, copper and cadmium. Sodium levels were reduced by between 77% and 100% while potassium levels were reduced by between 59% and 100%. The anions and other pollutants were substantially reduced. For example, nitrate levels were reduced by between 50% and 78%, phosphate by between 86% and 96%, phenol by between 37% and 54%, COD by between 25% and 75% and conductivity by between 6% and 43%. The plant's ability to remove metals appears to be greater than for non metallic pollutants. The plant's [Angela Hi1] ability to remove nitrates from water is critical due to its potential as a major contribution towards controlling nitrate pollution of drinking water, which is currently a source of major social concern. KeywordsPollution Control; Water Hyacinth; Industrial Effluents; Pollutants; Nitrate