Phytoremediation of Landfill Leachate: Removal of Heavy Metals and PAHs using Water Hyacinth

 

The Trinidad & Tobago Solid Waste Management Company (SWMCOL) is always exploring novel methods and systems for the remediation of leachate generated in local landfills. This study examines the phytoremediation potential of one plant found in the country: water hyacinth – E. crassipies.  Based on results of previous characterisation studies, leachate analogue solutions were made. Water hyacinth plants were then exposed to these analogue solutions to determine their remediation efficacies, as well as the optimal growth parameters and conditions. Following this, both wet and dry season leachate samples were collected from the Guanapo Landfill to determine the viability of the selected plant species. Analogue solutions of pure metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn) remediated by water hyacinth showed reductions in concentration of between 3% and 82%, while analogue solutions of mixed metals and organics (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Anthracene, Fluorene, and Naphthalene) showed reductions in metal concentrations of between 42% and 99%, and PAH Translocation Factors of between 0.83 and 4.41. Following this, both wet and dry season leachate samples were collected. Based on the characterisation of these samples, water hyacinth would be an effective tool for the remediation of leachate generated in landfills in Trinidad & Tobago. 

 

Curtly Aston Frank

MPhil Candidate – Enviro-Analytical Chemistry

University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus

Email: curtly.frank@my.uwi.edu

Mobile: (868) 348 7093

Project Supervisor: Dr. Denise Beckles