Chloride, barium and chromium retention in two mangrove species Avicennia Germinans and Rhizophora Mangle grown in oil industry production waters using the hydroponic culture technique

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to determine the phytoremediation mechanism (phytoextraction y/o rhizofiltration) given by the mangroves Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia germinans, when exposed to waters from an oil production field applying the hidroponia technique like system for growing the species. Determination of chlorides, barium and chromium bioaccumulation in tissues of mangrove species under study was compared with content of these elements in an inert substrate without mangroves. Bioaccumulation of the targeted elements was measured after 308 days exposure of the mangroves to production waters with initial barium and chromium contents of 1.25 g.m-3 and 0.002 g·m-3 respectively, and salinity in the range of 2,000 to 3,000 mg·kg-1. Bioaccumulation of the studied elements (chlorides, barium and chromium) in tissues of both species was correlated to the increment in biomass of each species, as well as to the general physical condition of the plants. Survival rates higher than 95% of the exposed plants to production water during the time of study, increment in biomass of up to 5.88 g·day-1, and concentrations of chlorides in tissues in the 0 - 170,000 mg·kg-1 during the considered period were observed. No significant difference between the two mangrove species was obtained. Bioaccumulation in tissues does not cause symptoms of deficiency in growing rates in the studied plants compared to natural rate indexes. Similarly, the analyses of inert substrate around the mangrove roots showed chloride and barium concentrations, contrary to the results of the targeted elements in the inert substrate when mangroves are not present. Both phytoremediation mechanisms were observed for the two mangrove species.