Phytoremediation Potential and Toxicity of Barium to Three Freshwater Microalgae: Scenedesmus subspicatus, Selenastrum capricorntum, and Nannochloropsis sp.
Publication: Practice Periodical of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste Management
Volume 5, Issue 4
Abstract
Three fast-growing, freshwater microalgal species, Scenedesmus subspicatus, Selenastrum capricornutum, and Nannochloropsis sp., were used for bioaccumulating barium from water. Batch studies indicated that all three species exposed to 5 mg/L barium concentrations can bioaccumulate up to 88 to 99% of barium within 10 days, depending on the species. The average algal growth rates of treated cultures were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from the controls. Furthermore, the growth curves of Scenedesmus seem to indicate a preference for moderate levels of barium (up to 5 mg/L). The metal-laden microalgae can be harvested with an efficiency of nearly 99% by coagulation with 200 mg/L ferric chloride. The discharge water had less than 0.64 mg/L of iron for 200 mg/L ferric chloride dosage; thereby endorsing the applicability of the overall microalgal phytoremediation process. Unlike land-plant-based phytoremediation, which often has a duration of treatment spanning a few decades, the entire microalgal phytoremediation process is anticipated to last from 8 to 14 days under favorable microalgal growth conditions. Heavily contaminated waters and sediments may require additional recycling and reculturing of microalgae until the desired residual contaminant levels are achieved. With appropriate modifications, this technique may be extended to sites with other toxic metals, such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, and zinc, and possibly to sites with mixed radioactive and toxic metal wastes.
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Published In
Practice Periodical of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste Management
Volume 5 • Issue 4 • October 2001
Pages: 194 - 202
History
Received: May 30, 2001
Published online: Oct 1, 2001
Published in print: Oct 2001
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