Phytoremediation

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4.4

Phytoremediation

Definition of Phytoremediation

One of the treatment methods which uses plants for the purpose of degradation, extraction or elimination of pollute substances from soil and water.

Phytoremediation Method

Phytoremediation method is one of the alternatives in waste water treatment by eliminating heavy metals and also trapping harmful nutrients and microorganisms.
Phytoremediation treatment uses aquatic plants that can absorb heavy metals and nutrients contained in waste water.
The examples of plants used for phytoremediation is:
- Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth).
  - This plant has long roots which can accumulate heavy metals such as copper and lead in water.

Uses of Aquatic Plants in Phytoremediation
Example of Plants	Function
Water hyacinth	This plant has long roots which can accumulate heavy metals such as copper and lead in water.
Sunflower	Sunflower acts as a hyperaccumulator which can eliminate heavy metals such as zinc, chromium, copper, lead and nickel and also radioactive substances such as caesium and strontium.
Water lettuce	To treat waste water by accumulating heavy metals and absorb nutrients in the waste plant. Has a fast growth rate.
Water spinach	The roots of ground water spinach are able to absorb mercury from the soil whereas the roots of river water spinach are able to absorb heavy metals such as cadmium from the water.