Phytoremediation is a relatively new approach to treat wastewater contaminated by organic and inorganic substances including heavy metals. The effectiveness of two aquatic plants, Centella asiatica and Eichhornia crassipes, were evaluated for their capabilities in removing copper from copper solution. The aim of this study is to determine the potential of these aquatic plants to act as hyperaccumulators. The aquatic plants were put in 8 liters of solution containing 1.5 mg/L, 2.5 mg/L and 5.5 mg/L of copper, for a period of 21 days. Analyses of heavy metals contents were conducted using an Atomic Adsorption Spectrometer. Results showed an increase of copper within the plants' roots and shoots tissues and a decrease of copper concentration in the solution. The maximum removal of copper in the solutions containing Centella asiatica was 99.6 % as compared to 97.3 % in solutions containing Eichhornia crassipes. Centella asiatica accumulated a maximum amount of copper of 1353.0 mg/kg whereas Eichhornia crassipes accumulated 1147.5 mg/kg of copper in their roots. The accumulation of copper of more than 1000 mg/L in plant tissues indicate that both aquatic plants can be considered as hyperaccumulators of copper. Roots tend to accumulate a higher amount of copper than shoots due to translocation process. Significant removal of copper were obtained at p<0.01 for containers containing both aquatic plants, indicating that Centella asiatica and Eichhornia crassipes can be utilized in the phytoremediation method to remove copper from wastewater.
The communities in the district of Padang Terap, Kedah, were not used to fl ood events even though they had been living in the area for generations. Since 2000, fl ooding in this area had become a common occurrence as a result of the increased intensity and frequency of rain due to global warming and climate change. Recognizing the need to address the vulnerability and adaptation of the communities and relevant agencies, the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), carried out a project based on universitycommunity engagement and education for sustainable development (ESD) in this area. The stakeholders involved in this project were from different entities, consisting of experts from USM, residents, local offi cials, and selected schools in the district. The project identifi ed that the communities of Padang Terap needed counseling for trauma victims, training in handling and maintaining fl ood-related equipment, accredited fl ood rescue training, and the establishment of a formal community fl ood disaster committee consisting of village leaders and the local authorities. In addition, CGSS also addressed public awareness of the dangers of fl ooding via ESD Chapter 12
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