Metal Uptake (Pb, Ni and Cu) By Duckweed and Cattails Under Different Citric Acid (Ca) Concentrations
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biological and Environmental Sciences
Date of Award
Fall 2024
Abstract
Metals are naturally found on Earth. However, excessive exposure of hazardous metals due to anthropogenic activities harms wildlife and human health. Phytoremediation utilizes plants to remove environmental pollutants is popular. This research investigated the efficacy of duckweed and cattails to absorb copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) from solutions. These metals are of concern due to their widespread presence in anthropogenic activities. Citric acid (CA), a chelating agent, enhanced the plants' metal accumulation capabilities by altering metal solubility and toxicity. The plants were initially acclimated in distilled water containing nutrients before being transferred to hydroponic solutions containing varying levels of citric acid and target metals. Four weeks later, the plants were collected and digested. Analysis was done using ICP-OES to determine metal content. Bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF) were calculated to evaluate plants’ metal uptake efficiency. ANOVA statistical analysis was conducted using Minitab software to assess the impact of CA on metal accumulation in both duckweed and cattails. Results indicated that higher concentrations of CA were responsible for the accretion of Cu and Ni in both plant species in a significant manner. However, the accumulation of Pb was not significantly affected by CA. Duckweed treated with high levels of CA exhibited higher BAF (more than 1) for heavy metals compared to those without CA. The TF for metals in cattails remained below 1 across all CA concentrations, suggesting that the metals were primarily stored in the roots.
Advisor
Lin Guo
Subject Categories
Biology | Life Sciences
Recommended Citation
Mobin, Faraid, "Metal Uptake (Pb, Ni and Cu) By Duckweed and Cattails Under Different Citric Acid (Ca) Concentrations" (2024). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 1247.
https://digitalcommons.tamuc.edu/etd/1247
