The effect of Phragmites australis and Eichhornia crassipes in the removal of high total phosphorus concentrations from water

Abstract

In order to evaluate the accumulation of high phosphorus and the distribution on macrophytes part, the experiment was conducted by arranged vegetated and unvegetated treatment in a greenhouse experiment. Reactor containing 5L of phosphorus solution (50 or 500 mg/L), 4 kg of sediment and plants (Phragmites australis or Eichhornia crassipes) were prepared. The studied concentrations tried to stimulate an accumulation of Total Phosphorus (TP) in plants. Water were sampled every 5 days during 30 days of experiments while sediment and plant samples (roots, submerged leaves and aerial leaves) were collected at the beginning and at end of this study. Relative growth rate (RGR) of plants was determined considering initial and final plant height. As results, more than 60% of TP was removed by P. australis and E. crassipes from the water. Both P. australis and E. crassipes has great capability to accumulated TP in their tissues, submerged part of leaves accumulated highest TP than other part, due to directly contact with water. RGR was positive suggested both plant able to tolerance TP in high concentration. P. australis was accumulated higher TP than E. crassipes. Therefore P. australis is suitable for phytoremediation practice, being capable to tolerate high TP concentration.