Utilization of Lemna paucicostata for Low-cost Removal of Contaminants from Beverage Factory Effluent

Biological treatment using aquatic plants have been investigated as an alternative process for treatment of beverage factory effluent. In this study, Lemna paucicostata Hegelm was exposed to different concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 20% and 25%) of beverage factory effluent. The experiment was set up in triplicates for each concentration and observed for fourteen days. From the results obtained, fast growth and turnover of L. paucicostata was observed and the relative growth rate was found to be concentration dependent. L. paucicostata successfully lowered the sulphate and nitrate content and also reduced the biological oxygen demand (BOD), total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity of the effluents after exposure. Statistical analysis showed significant difference in TDS, Nitrate and BOD between the different concentrations before and after exposure. This study further provides an insight to the phytoremediating potential of this plant. It can be concluded that L. paucicostata will be an effective candidate for the reduction of nitrate, sulphate, BOD and TDS in beverage factory effluent before disposal.