Phytoremediation Potential of Freshwater Macrophytes for Dye-containing Wastewater Treatment

Kresak Pilar^*
*Correspondence: Kresak Pilar, Department of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam, Email:

Introduction

In the modern industrial landscape, the production of textiles, paper, leather and other goods has become synonymous with vibrant colors and intricate designs, thanks to the widespread use of synthetic dyes. However, this artistic triumph often comes at a significant environmental cost. The discharge of dye-containing wastewater from industrial processes poses a substantial threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health. These dyes, known for their persistence, toxicity and potential carcinogenicity, can severely impact water quality, aquatic biodiversity and public well-being. Traditional methods of wastewater treatment, such as chemical coagulation, activated carbon adsorption and biological oxidation, have been employed to mitigate the adverse effects of dye pollution. While effective to some extent, these methods are often associated with high operational costs, energy consumption and the generation of secondary pollutants. Moreover, they do not address the root cause of the problem – the removal and degradation of dyes from wastewater streams. In this context, phytoremediation has emerged as a promising, eco-friendly alternative for the treatment of dye-containing wastewater. Phytoremediation, which utilizes the natural abilities of plants to remediate contaminated environments, offers several advantages over conventional treatment methods [1].

By harnessing the unique physiological and biochemical mechanisms of plants, phytoremediation can effectively remove, transform anddetoxify a wide range of pollutants, including dyes, from wastewater streams. Among the various plant species investigated for phytoremediation applications, freshwater macrophytes have garnered significant attention for their ability to thrive in aquatic environments and their potential to remediate dye-contaminated waters. Macrophytes, which include submerged, floating andemergent plants, possess a diverse array of adaptive strategies that enable them to absorb, accumulate, metabolize anddetoxify pollutants, thereby improving water quality and ecological health. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the phytoremediation potential of freshwater macrophytes for the treatment of dye-containing wastewater. Through a thorough examination of the existing literature, this review will explore the effectiveness, mechanisms, influencing factors andpractical applications of phytoremediation using freshwater macrophytes in the context of dye pollution remediation. By shedding light on the current state of knowledge and identifying key research gaps, this paper seeks to contribute to the advancement of sustainable wastewater treatment strategies and environmental stewardship [2].

Description

Phytoremediation, as a nature-based approach to environmental remediation, harnesses the unique abilities of plants to uptake, sequester and degrade pollutants from soil, water andair. Freshwater macrophytes, comprising a diverse group of aquatic plants that inhabit lakes, rivers, wetlands and other freshwater ecosystems, have demonstrated considerable potential for phytoremediation applications, particularly in the treatment of dye-containing wastewater. Submerged macrophytes, characterized by their ability to grow entirely or partially submerged in water, play a crucial role in the removal of dyes and other pollutants from the water column. Species such as Hydrilla verticillata, Ceratophyllum demersum and Myriophyllum spp. are known for their high surface area-to-volume ratio, extensive root systems and efficient nutrient uptake mechanisms, which enable them to uptake and accumulate pollutants, including dyes, directly from the water column. The mechanisms by which submerged macrophytes remove dyes from wastewater include adsorption onto the plant surface, absorption into the plant tissues and rhizofiltration through the roots. The large surface area provided by the leaves, stems and roots of submerged macrophytes facilitates the physical adsorption of dye molecules onto plant surfaces, thereby reducing dye concentrations in the water column [3].

Additionally, the porous structure of plant tissues allows for the absorption of dissolved dyes, which are subsequently transported and stored within the plant biomass. Rhizofiltration, a process in which pollutants are removed from the water by passing through the root zone of plants, is particularly effective in dye removal due to the high metabolic activity and exudation of root exudates by submerged macrophytes. These exudates, consisting of organic acids, enzymes andother biochemical compounds, can facilitate the breakdown and detoxification of dye molecules, enhancing the overall efficiency of phytoremediation. Floating macrophytes, characterized by their ability to float on the water surface, offer unique advantages for the phytoremediation of dye-containing wastewater. Species such as Lemna spp. (duckweeds), Salvinia spp. (water ferns) and Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce) form dense mats or colonies on the water surface, providing an effective barrier for the interception and removal of dyes and other pollutants [4].

The broad surface area provided by floating macrophytes enhances physical entrapment of dye molecules, preventing their dispersion and facilitating their removal from the water column. Moreover, the presence of floating macrophytes promotes the growth of biofilms on their submerged surfaces, which harbor diverse microbial communities capable of degrading and detoxifying dye pollutants through processes such as biodegradation, bioaccumulation andbiosorption. Emergent macrophytes, which grow partially or entirely above the water surface, offer versatile phytoremediation capabilities for the treatment of dye-containing wastewater. Species such as Phragmites australis (common reed), Typha spp. (cattails) and Schoenoplectus spp. (bulrushes) are known for their extensive root systems, which serve as efficient sinks for pollutants, including dyes, in the water column and sediments. The aboveground biomass of emergent macrophytes provides habitat and substrate for diverse microbial communities involved in pollutant degradation and nutrient cycling. Microbial processes such as aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation, enzymatic transformation andphytostabilization contribute to the removal, transformation and detoxification of dye pollutants, ultimately improving water quality and ecological health in contaminated aquatic ecosystems. In addition to their direct remediation capabilities, freshwater macrophytes play a crucial role in enhancing ecosystem resilience and promoting ecological restoration in polluted water bodies. The presence of macrophytes can improve water clarity, stabilize sediments, regulate nutrient cycling and enhance habitat diversity, thereby creating more favourable conditions for aquatic biota and ecosystem functioning [5].

Conclusion

The phytoremediation potential of freshwater macrophytes for the treatment of dye-containing wastewater represents a promising approach to address the environmental challenges associated with industrial pollution. Submerged, floating and emergent macrophytes, each exhibiting unique physiological and ecological traits, offer effective and sustainable solutions for the removal, degradation and detoxification of dye pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. Despite significant progress in understanding the mechanisms and applications of phytoremediation using freshwater macrophytes, several challenges and opportunities remain. Future research efforts should focus on elucidating the molecular pathways involved in pollutant uptake and metabolism by macrophytes, optimizing phytoremediation systems for different dye types and concentrations and scaling up laboratory findings to field applications. Moreover, interdisciplinary approaches that integrate plant biology, ecology, microbiology, engineering and environmental science will be essential for advancing the development and implementation of phytoremediation technologies for dye-containing wastewater treatment. By harnessing the synergistic interactions between plants, microorganisms and environmental factors, we can develop innovative and sustainable solutions to mitigate the environmental impacts of dye pollution and promote the restoration of aquatic ecosystems worldwide. In conclusion, the integration of phytoremediation using freshwater macrophytes into wastewater treatment strategies holds immense potential for achieving environmental sustainability, ecological resilience and human well-being. By embracing nature-based solutions and adopting a holistic approach to pollution remediation, we can pave the way towards a cleaner, healthier future for both current and future generations.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

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