Removal of cadmium from wastewater by water hyacinth

Abstract

Removal of cadmium from wastewaters by water hyacinth has been investigated. The growth of the plant was inhibited at cadmium concentration 2.0 mgL-1. Cadmium was found to accumulate in the top as well as in the roots of the plant. The uptake increased with increasing initial concentration of cadmium. The uptake was enhanced with time of exposure and between the 6th and 16th days. The enhancement was more significant. Kinetics and mechanism of uptake were also studied. The value of the metal accumulation factor ‘Fa’ was found to be greater in the roots of the plant. The overall removal capacity of the process was calculated and found to be significant. © 1994, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.