Analysis of the copper removal kinetics of the Philippine giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) in hydroponics

Abstract

Copper is the third most utilized metal and is a versatile resource with multiple beneficial uses, but it may also become toxic to aquatic life in excess amount. Thus, there is a need to develop methods to reduce the copper contamination in the environment, particularly in bodies of water. Phytoremediation using Dendrocalamus asper may offer an environment-benign and potentially effective method for copper removal though its effectiveness may take several years to materialize for this technology to become cost-effective. By growing D. asper in synthesized contaminated water and analyzing the change in the copper content of the substrate via atomic absorption spectrophotometry, the removal was found to be optimal at 20 ppm Cu and pH 5. The rate of removal was found to have an order of 2.71 and a kinetic constant of 0.0013 ppm −1.71 day −1 . With this, it may be possible to estimate the treatment length of phytoremediation given an initial level of copper contamination and a target concentration.

Ecological and health risks from heavy metal sources surrounding an abandoned mercury mine in the island paradise of Palawan, Philippines

“…In previous studies, vegetable consumption accounts for 90% of heavy metal exposure in humans [ [52] , [53] , [54] ]. The capacity of plants to accumulate heavy metals also differs by heavy metal [ [55] , [56] , [57] , [58] ]. In general, leafy vegetables have higher heavy metal uptake than non-leafy vegetables [ 51 , 59 ].…”

Review on Phytoremediation Potential of Floating Aquatic Plants for Heavy Metals: A Promising Approach

“…The removal rate of Cu from the contaminated source had an order of 2.71 and a kinetic constant of 0.0013 ppm −1.71 day −1 [80] Bambusa merilliana, Bambusa blumeana, Dendrocalamus asper…”

Meycauayan, an Industrial City in Bulacan, Philippines: Heavy Metal Pollution in Soil and Surface Sediments and Their Relationship to Environmental Indicators

“…Heavy metals are defined as elements with metallic properties and have atomic masses greater than 20 (> 20 amu) [2,5]. The most common heavy metals are arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) [2,3,6,7]. These heavy metals could originate from a wide variety of sources which include airborne emissions, process solid wastes (e.g.…”

“…However, increasing heavy metal contamination levels on surface soils degrade soil quality and reduce crop yield and crop quality [3]. These heavy metals enter the food chain from polluted soil, water, and air which cause food and water contamination, thereby posing a threat to the health of humans, animals, and the ecosystem [2][3][4]7,9]. Therefore, the need to identify the heavy metals and their sources, the distribution in the surface soils and sediments, and quantify the concentrations is of utmost importance.…”