Phytoextraction potential of wetland plants for Copper in water bodies

Luo, Z., Yuan, X, Chen, X., & Cui, X. (March-April, 2017). Phytoextraction potential of wetland plants for Copper in Water Bodies. Water Technology and Sciences (in Spanish), 8(2), 43-50.Copper is the most common heavy metal contaminant in the environment. Wetland construction engineering and technology have been used to control water pollution due to their low cost and efficiency and the hydrophytes have been the most important constituents of wetland construction. In this experiment, during April of 2014, Cu2+ accumulation content in different parts of Acorus calamus and Phragmites australis were investigated based on hydroponic experiments of different Cu2+ concentration solutions. Cu2+ concentrations in the water body were 0, 10, 25, 60, 100, 200 and 500 mg/l, respectively. The results showed that there were significant Cu2+ concentration differences between the above- and below-ground parts of Acorus calamus and Phragmites australis. Cu2+ content in the above- and belowground parts of wetland plants increased with hydroponic solution Cu2+ concentrations, resulting in a significantly positive correlation between Cu2+ content and concentrations of hydroponic solutions. There was a significant difference in Cu2+ content in the wetland plants under all hydroponic solution Cu2+ concentrations. Acorus calamus exhibited the greatest Cu2+ accumulation in above- and below-ground parts. Acorus calamus and Phragmites australis can be selected for application on the phytoremediation of water polluted by heavy metals due to their excellent Cu2+ accumulation ability.