Abstract

The use of phytoremediation is a non-destructive method of heavy metal’s removal from soils. Water hyacinth plant (Eichhronia crassipes), normally found in habitats around the world, and has the ability to extract heavy metals through its roots, stem, and leaves. The main aims of this study were two folds; the use of water hyacinth plant to remove metals (Lead, Pb; Copper, Cu; Zinc, Zn; Chromium, Cr; and Cadmium, Cd) from contaminated soil, and second was to use metal contaminated water hyacinth to extract metals as nanoparticles. The laboratory trials were carried out with different concentrations of heavy metals in soils. Plants were grown in metal contaminated soils ranging from 5 to 500 µg/g of soil concentrations. The heavy metals absorbed by the plants were measured with parameters like soil pH and plant fresh weight. The heavy metals were first extracted and the resultant biomass was utilized for preparation of metallic nanoparticles by a green technology route. The subsequent recovery of the heavy metal, followed by metallic nanoparticles production utilizing the contaminated biomass will add value to the use of this plant.

Key words: Water hyacinth, nanoparticles, soil, Cobalt, Nickel, Lead, Copper, Zinc, Chromium, Cadmium.

Abbreviation

TEM, Transmission electron microscopy; SEM, scanning electron microscopy; AFM, atomic force microscopy; DLS, dynamic light scattering; XPS, X-ray photoelectron microscopy; XRD, X-ray diffraction; FTIR, Fourier transformed infra red spectroscopy; AAS, atomic absorption spectroscopy; ICP-ES, Inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry; DMRT, Duncan’s multiple range test; ICP-AES, Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.