Journal of Environmental Biology

Phytoremediation potential of Bacopa monnieri in the removal of heavy metals

Paper received: 30.10.2018???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Revised received: 06.03.2019????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Accepted: 16.03.2019

Authors Info

M. Dineshkumar¹*,

A. Sivalingam² and

M. Thirumarimurugan²

¹Department of Petrochemical Engineering, SVS College of Engineering, Coimbatore-642 109, India

²Department of Chemical, India Engineering, Coimbatore Institute of Technology,

Coimbatore-641 014, India

*Corresponding Author Email :

kdineshd@gmail.com

Abstract

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals from the effluent of battery industry by an aquatic plant, Bacopa monnieri.    

Methodology: Experiment was carried for 25 days and heavy metal concentrations were analyzed in plant parts (roots and shoots), soil and effluent using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) for 5 days each. Parameters such as Translocation Factor (TF), Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) and Transposition Factor (TrF) were calculated to analyze heavy metal interaction between plant, soil and effluents.    

Results: Zn and Mg were found to be high in TF, BCF and TrF, but Cr had a TF value higher than Zn as it translocates high amount of ions to plant parts. TrF values of contaminants increased constantly in the following order: Mg > Zn > Cd > Pb > Cr. TF and BCF values were not > 1 for toxic metals (Pb, Cr and Cd).    

Interpretation: B. Monnieri can be used as a phytoextractor in removing contaminants from aquatic bodies.

Key words: Aquatic plant, Bacopa monnieri, Heavy metals, Phytoremediation, Transposition factor

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