Efficiency of Five Selected Aquatic Plants in Phytoremediation of Aquaculture Wastewater

Abstract

The lack of clean water sources, due to the presence of pollutants in water, is a major issue in many countries, including Malaysia. To overcome this problem, various methods have been introduced, including phytoremediation treatment. Therefore, this phytoremediation study examined the ability of five aquatic plants—Centella asiatica, Ipomoea aquatica, Salvinia molesta, Eichhornia crassipes, and Pistia stratiotes—to remove three pollutants—total suspended solids (TSS), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), and phosphate—from aquaculture wastewater. Using wastewater samples, each containing 50 g of one of the plants, the pollutant levels were measured every two days for 14 days. The results showed a drastic decline in the concentration of pollutants, where C. asiatica was able to remove 98% of NH3-N, 90% of TSS, and 64% of phosphate, while I. aquatica showed the potential to eliminate up to 73% of TSS and NH3-N, and 50% of phosphate. E. crassipes drastically removed 98% of phosphate, 96% of TSS, and 74% of NH3-N, while P. stratiotes was able to eliminate 98% of TSS, 78% of NH3-N, and 89% of phosphate. S. molesta was efficient in removing 89.3% of TSS and 88.6% of phosphate, but only removed 63.9% of NH3-N.

Phytoremediation of TSS, NH3-N and COD from Sewage Wastewater by Lemna minor L., Salvinia minima, Ipomea aquatica and Centella asiatica

“…With regards to Centella asiatica, the reduction percentage of TSS, NH 3 -N and COD in the sewage wastewater sample was about 67.6%, 79.1% and 36.46%, respectively. According to Nizam et al [19], Centella asiatica can remove 98% of NH 3 -N from wastewater. A medicinal plant such as Centella asiatica can serve as phytoremediation agent as it has the ability to absorb different concentrations of contaminants in wastewater [47].…”

“…In a study conducted by Hanafiah et al [52], Ipomea aquatica was found to be more efficient than Centella asiatica by its ability to accumulate higher concentration of aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe). Nizam et al [19] found that Centella asiatica was the most efficient for NH 3 -N removal compared to Pistia stratiotes, Salvinia molesta, Ipomea aquatica and Eichhornia crassipes. It was indicated that each plant that acts as phytoremediation agent has its own efficiency rate in removing different pollutants.…”

Removal of Antibiotics and Nutrients by Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) from a Plug Flow Reactor Based Constructed Wetland Model

“…Ojoawo et al (2015) tested Canna generalis reeds for the removal of nitrate and phosphate in domestic wastewater and found only 52% and 9% of these two contaminants were removed, respectively [ 73 ]. Recently, Nizam et al (2020) compared five plants ( Centella asiatica , Ipomoea aquatica , Salvinia molesta , Eichhornia crassipes , and Pistia stratiotes ) for their capacity to remove nitrogen and phosphorous [ 74 ]. Although up to 98% of nitrogen was removed by Centella asiatica and up to 98% of phosphorous was removed by Eichhornia crassipes , there were significant differences in performance among the five species.…”

Proximate Chemical Composition of Dried Shrimp and Tilapia Waste Bioflocs Produced by Two Drying Methods

“…Tacon et al [63] reported that a high ash content in bioflocs may be related to the abundance of acid-insoluble oxides and mixed silicates. In view of the fact that the term biofloc refers to a collection of microbial communities, such as diatoms [17], microalgae (diatoms) increase aquaculture production, especially in shrimp ponds [9]. Moreover, the cell walls of these microalgae contain silicate, which is an important mineral for building shrimp exoskeletons [64].…”

“…In addition to the environmental impact, these substances also have major negative effects on human health [5][6][7]. Therefore, a sustainable aquaculture system is required to protect the environment, natural resources, and human health [8,9].…”