Simultaneous removal of arsenic, fluoride, and manganese from synthetic wastewater by Vetiveria zizanioides.

Abstract

Main aim of the present research is to explore the potential use of Vetiveria zizanioides L. for phytoremediation of arsenic, fluoride, and manganese simultaneously from synthetic wastewater in a batch scale floating platform unit. Half strength Hoagland's nutrient solution spiked with arsenic, fluoride, and manganese concentrations of 1, 20, and 10 mg/L, respectively has been used. The effects of pH and treatment time on simultaneous removal of arsenic, fluoride, and manganese have been performed. V. zizanioides has exhibited optimum growth at pH 8 and the removal of arsenic and fluoride is observed to be 59.6 and 38.1%, respectively. This plant has successfully removed all of the manganese (99.3%). The uptake of manganese is found to be faster than the arsenic and fluoride. The trend of arsenic, fluoride, and manganese accumulation in various parts of V. zizanioides is found as roots > stems > leaves. Result showed that the use of V. zizanioides would be appropriate to treat arsenic, fluoride, and manganese contaminated wastewater.