Preliminary analysis on the effects of wastewater solution in the growth of Brassica rapa chinensis L

Date of Publication

8-2017

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Subject Categories

Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Adviser

Ma. Ellenita De Castro

Abstract/Summary

Heavy metal contamination is considered as one of the most serious environmental problem of the current generation primarily attributed to the various anthropogenic activities like mining and agricultural industrialization. Family Brassicaceae are known as one of the most edible group of plant which are usually consumed as vegetables by humans. However, they are also known to hyperaccumulate nickel and other heavy elements in amount above the threshold level. In the present study, a preliminary assessment of the heavy metals present in the wastewater solution was determined to test its ability of support the growth Brassica rapa chinensis (pechay). Three different dilutions of wastewater were used as treatments in the study namely 5% wastewater + 95% distilled water (T1), 15% wastewater + 85% distilled water (T2) and 25% wastewater + 75% distilled water (T3). All the wastewater used in the study was collected from the De La Salle University Wastewater Treatment Facility. It was surprising to note that even before the start of the experimentation, the nutrient content of the three treatments already vary in concentration hence it cannot be assumed that the difference in the growth of the test plant was solely due to the amount of nutrient present in the solution. With regards to the heavy metals present in the wastewater solution, it was determined that only Zinc, Copper, and Iron were the only elements present but their concentration did not significantly differ across treatments. On the other hand, the heavy metals detected in the tissues of B.rapa chinensis was found to be very low and did not significantly differ across the treatments used. Results showed that although the test plant has the potential to absorb considerable amount of Zinc, Copper, and Iron, it did not reach the level necessary to establish it as a candidate hyperaccumulator plant. Hence, it is concluded that wastewater solution is capable of supporting the growth of B. rapa chinensis but not beyond the threshold level to consider the plant as a potential agent of phytoremediation.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Accession Number

CDTU021790

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F, Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Keywords

Sewage—Environmental aspects; Bok choy--Analysis

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Embargo Period

5-28-2025

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