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Abstract Detail


Heavy Metals and Phytoremediation

Natarajan, Seenivasan [1], Stamps, Robert [2], Ma, Lena [3], Saha, Uttam [3].

Optimizing Plant Density and Nutrients for Phytoremediation of Arsenic Contaminated Groundwater Using Pteris vittata L. – Chinese Brake Fern.

This study investigated the effects of plant densities (1, 2 or 4 plants per 30 L of water) and nutrient levels (26.3 or 52.5 mg•L-1 N and 1.2 or 3.3 mg•L-1 P) on arsenic (As) removal by hyperaccumulating Chinese brake fern (Pteris vittata L.). The ferns grew in arsenic-contaminated groundwater containing 140 µg As L-1 supplemented with 25% strength Hoagland’s solution. While low P was more effective than high P for fern As removal initially, N levels showed little effect. At 1.2 mg•L-1 P, it took 3 weeks for the ferns at plant density of 4 to reduce As to less than 10 µg•L-1 (new US EPA standard) whereas it took six weeks at plant densities of 1 or 2 plants. Fern fronds were then harvested and the plants were reused for additional As removal. Being larger and better established plants with more extensive roots, the ferns with low plant density were more effective, reducing As concentration in water to less than 10 µg•L-1 in 8 hours. Using more established ferns supplemented with dilute nutrients with optimized plant density is cost effective by reducing interplant competition and secondary contamination from nutrients. Based on this experiment and to effectively clean up arsenic contaminated water. It is recommended to use one established plant per 30 L of water supplemented with dilute nutrients (26.3 mg• L-1 N and 1.2 mg• L-1 P).


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1 - University of Florida, Department of Environmental Horticulture, 2725 S. Binion Rd, Apopka, FL, 32703, United States
2 - University of Florida, Department of Environmental Horticulture
3 - University of Florida, Soil and Water Science Department

Keywords:
Pteris vittata
Phytoremediation
Arsenic
Groundwater.

Presentation Type: Plant Biology Abstract
Session: P
Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton
Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: P05006
Abstract ID:221


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