Assessment of the phytoremediative potential of "kawayang tinik" (Bambusa blumeana) in the removal of lead from hydroponic systems

Date

10-2013

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Norma N. Fajardo

Restrictions

Restricted: Not available to the general public. Access is available only after consultation with author/thesis adviser and only to those bound by the confidentiality agreement.

Abstract

The phytoremediative potential of "kawayang tinik" (Bambusa blumeana) in the removal of lead, Pb, from hydroponic systems was evaluated using laboratory-scale experiments. Lead was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Prior to the experiments, baseline Pb concentrations were generated for both the plant samples and the medium in which they would be grown. Preliminary analysis showed that within a 48-hour period, B. blumeana could maximally absorb about 50% of the Pb in the medium which contained 3 mg Pb per liter. At this concentration of Pb in the medium, the growth of the plants was not visibly affected. Plant samples grown in medium containing 15 mg Pb per liter were harvested at various time intervals. The roots and aerial parts were separately analyzed for Pb absorbed. Pb remaining in the growth medium was also determined. The amount of Pb absorbed by the plants continuously increased during the 10-day monitoring period from 14.19% after Day 1 to 31.95% after Day 10. B. blumeana absorbed 193.42 mg Pb/kg plant within the 10-day period. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) and transfer factor (TF) were calculated for B. blumeana. TF and BCF values indicate that this plant may be classified as a Pb accumulator, though not a hyperaccumulator. Results suggest the potential of B. blumeana for the phytostabilization of Pb-contaminated sites.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2013 C42 /G57

Document Type

Thesis

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