Potential of three aquatic plants as phytoremediator for liquid waste of tofu

Abstract

Phytoremediation is a method of using plants to remove pollutants from contaminated soil or waters. Several species of aquatic plants have been used in reducing pollutants in the waters. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of three species of aquatic plants as phytoremediators to reduce levels of COD and BOD of liquid waste, the effect of tofu liquid waste on the fresh weight of the species, and the chlorophyll of the plants content after treatment. Data obtained through experimental methods through a quantitative approach with non-factorial Complete Randomized Design. Data analysis used Analysis of Variance. The results showed that three types of water plants were effectively used as phytoremediator in tofu waste water with the highest percentage of BOD and COD reduction obtained in a combination of Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) and Yellow velvetleaf (Limnocharis flava L.) which was 99.42%. Besides, liquid tofu waste is effective in an increase in the species chlorophyll content. In brief, the aquatic plant species are effective to reduce COD and BOD levels and to increase of chlorophyll content and fresh weight of the species.