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Decontamination of coal mine effluent generated at the Rajrappa coal mine using phytoremediation technology
Kalpana C Lakra1, B Lal1, T K Banerjee1
1a Department of Zoology , Banaras Hindu University (BHU) , Varanasi , India.
International Journal of Phytoremediation
|December 13, 2016
Summary
Coal mine effluent in Jharkhand contains toxic metals exceeding safe limits. Phytoremediation using Salvinia molesta and Pistia stratiotes effectively removed heavy metals, though chlorophyll content decreased in plants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Phytoremediation
Background:
- Coal mining operations, specifically at the Rajrappa complex in Jharkhand, India, generate effluent containing elevated levels of toxic metals.
- These metal concentrations (Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Cd) surpassed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) safe limits, posing environmental risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxicity of coal mine effluent from the Rajrappa coal mine complex.
- To assess the efficacy of phytoremediation using aquatic macrophytes, Salvinia molesta and Pistia stratiotes, for detoxifying the effluent.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of toxic metal concentrations in coal mine effluent.
- Application of phytoremediation using Salvinia molesta and Pistia stratiotes for 10 days.
- Measurement of metal removal percentages and chlorophyll content in macrophytes.
Main Results:
- Effluent contained toxic metals (Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Cd) above EPA safe limits, with Fe highest and Cr lowest.
- Salvinia molesta and Pistia stratiotes demonstrated high removal rates for most heavy metals, particularly Pb, Ni, and Cu.
- Chlorophyll content significantly decreased in both plant species post-treatment, indicating phytotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- Coal mine effluent poses a significant heavy metal pollution risk.
- Salvinia molesta and Pistia stratiotes are effective in removing various toxic metals from contaminated water.
- Phytoremediation, while effective for metal removal, can negatively impact plant health, evidenced by reduced chlorophyll content.
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