Potential of Azolla pinnata for phytoremidiation of sewage waste water

Abstract

Phytoremediation offers an attractive and cost-effective way for the treatment of wastewater. Azolla, an aquatic pteridophyte is an excellent member for phytoremediation of wastewater and industrial effluents. In this study, we investigated the ability of Azolla pinnata for the improvement of water quality parameters like pH, TDS(Total dissolved solids), EC(Electrical conductivity), and Salinity in  STP water collected from Khasra 359 Shantinagar site, Dayalbagh, Agra. Verification of the phytoremediation capability of A.pinnata was done. STP water was collected, each tub filled with 8 L of STP water and inoculated with 50g, 100g 150g of fresh A.pinnata in separate tubs respectively along with a control. The experimental setup was left undisturbed and Azolla was allowed to grow for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks of growth, a water sample was collected from each tub. pH, TDS, EC salinity of the STP water was taken before and after treatment with A.pinnata along with the control. The pH, salinity, TDS EC of the water sample decreased in an orderly manner from the initial analysis to after treatment and with increasing concentration of Azolla inoculated. The values of different parameters were found to be decreased significantly.