Page 75 - AJWEP-22-4

Hydrophytes for removing heavy metals

new, distilled water to get rid of any remaining particles nitric acid was added and filtered through filter paper.
and parasites. The associated species’ life form and Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to estimate
longevity were recorded for the plants studied under the final concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn, and Mn in the
investigation (Figures 2, and 3). Furthermore, the taxa solutions, according to a protocol reported elsewhere. 25
under study were identified accordingly. 27
2.5. Statistical analysis
2.4. Experimental analysis Both experiments were carried out in duplicate. Using
Heavy metal solutions for experiments are commonly the SPSS software, the data was statistically analyzed
prepared by dissolving metal salts in distilled water. By using one-way analysis of variance to evaluate the
placing equal amounts of clean, fresh P. pectinatus and variations in the plant treatment variables. When there
28
C. demerssum plants (1 kg for each glass tank in 50 cm were substantial differences, a Duncan test was used.
× 80 cm × 50 cm field with 200 L of waste water) with
varying concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn, and Mn alternating 3. Results
(0.1, 0.25, 0.50, 1 g/L) throughout observation, the
concentrations of heavy metals in the aqueous solution Table 1 reveals the physicochemical parameters of
were monitored and measured. water of Lake El-Burullus where the tested plants were
The conduct time was determined by comparing the collected: the depth of water ranged 100 – 110 cm; the
concentration of 1 g/L to the results of the subsequent site temperature ranged 27 – 28°C; the transparency of
experiment, which varied the exposure period for each water reached 54 cm; the pH value was 6.9; and the
element (6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 h). salinity value was 5,200 mmhos/cm. The dissolved
After being cleaned with diluted nitric acid, the oxygen was 4.5 mg/L and the biological oxygen demand
samples were placed in Teflon beakers. They were then was 18.0 mg/L. The nutrient composition data are as
allowed to evaporate at 80 – 90°C, and finally, 65% follows: K = 123 mg/L, Mg = 960 mg/L, Ca = 37 mg/L,
Na = 175 mg/L mg/L, PO = 9 mg/L, HCO = 122 mg/L,
4
3
A B and NH = 12 mg/L.
4
A B

C D
C D

E F
E F

Figure 2. Photograph showing the aquatic
macrophytes (floating and submerged) in Lake Figure 3. Photograph showing the amphibious
El-Burullus with the most dominant species: macrophytes, (A) Cyperus articulates, (B) Paspalum
(A) Lemna gibba, (B) Azolla filiculoides, (C) Pistia paspalidum, (C) Typha domingensis, (D), Phragmites
stratiotes, (D) Eichhornia crassipes, (E) Potamogeton australis, and (E) Persicaria salicifolia, and (F) Top
perfoliatus, and (F) Ceratophyllum demersum view of aquatic vegetation in Lake El-Burullus

Volume 22 Issue 4 (2025) 67 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025150105