Phytoremediation Using Ornamental Plants in Removing Heavy Metals from Wastewater Sludge

Abstract

Abstract Phytoremediation is a low cost and effective soil treatment option for metal reclamation compared to the conventional method which are very expensive and can cause disturbance to the soil. This research examined the ability of ornamental plants namely, hibiscus (Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis) and rose (Rosa sp.) to absorb heavy metals in the wastewater sludge. The objectives of this study were to determine the optimum heavy metals uptake from wastewater sludge using ornamental plants and to determine the overall distribution of heavy metals in the plant parts. The sludge was taken from Mawar wastewater treatment plant that is located at UiTM Shah Alam and treatment was conducted for a period of 30 days. Plants were exposed to the various percentage of sludge amendments in soil (0%-control, 10% - treatment A, 25% - treatment B, 50% - treatment C, 75% - treatment D and 100% - treatment E) for 30 days. The concentration of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were measured in each part of plants (roots, stems, leaves). Highest heavy metals removal was in the order of Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu with the treatment of 100% sludge. Root contained the highest concentration of heavy metals in the plant parts. While in comparison between the plants, rose removed more heavy metals as compared to the hibiscus plant.