Using Microphyte-Macrophyte Species As Bioindicators For The Determination And Phytoremediation Of Heavy Metal Accumulation In The Aquatic Ecosystems

Using Microphyte-Macrophyte Species As Bioindicators For The Determination And Phytoremediation Of Heavy Metal Accumulation In The Aquatic Ecosystems

Serkan, Doğan

Heavy metal accumulation and contamination have become a serious problem in recent years. Therefore, it is crucial to take a closer look at the microphytes and macrophytes species. These two elements are recommended for the determination and phytoremediation of the heavy metals in the contaminated aquatic ecosystems. It is clear that, the excess amount of heavy metals can have negative impacts on the environment and these influents can be weak, strong, long lasting and short lasting, and they can also be present in different levels such as global, regional or local. Moreover, heavy metal contamination in aquatic environments is a serious environmental problem, which threatens aquatic ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. The goal of this study is to understand the importance of microphytes and macrophytes in accumulation of toxic metals and suggest some effective measurements for the preservation and restoration of the aquatic ecosystems. Thus, in order to protect our living ecosystems, it is necessary to study the sources, level and quantity of contamination of heavy metals. Different treatment methods have been developed for the elimination of these metals from water including coagulation, adsorption, ion exchange and other chemical and biological processes. However, these methods are expensive and require major investments in equipment and facilities and they also introduce various chemicals which can have a harmful impact on our environment. In contrast, this study verifies that phytoremediation is an efficient and cheap technology for the treatment of water polluted by heavy metals. Furthermore, it is suggested a new model called wetland construction, which is an expansion on a river bed and it serves as a water purification system as well, in order to enable easy collection and replacement. After the collection, the biomass obtained would be processed to obtain biogas, biofertilizers, animal food and recycled heavy metals. As a result, the macrophyte and microphyte communities of the Miljacka River area need to be protected and restored on a priority basis. To demonstrate a model for ecological determination and phytoremediation of heavy metal accumulation by using microphytes-macrophytes as bioindicators, structure and dynamics of aquatic ecosystems were studied at more sites and sides of the Miljacka River (central Bosnia and Herzegovina). All in all, this study shows that the aquatic microphytes and macrophytes play a very significant role in removing the different metals from the aquatic environments and they can both be used as bioindicators of heavy metals and other toxic substances in a given area. Keywords: Microphytes; Macrophytes; Toxic metals; Accumulation; Phytoremediation; Miljacka River;

Conference or Workshop Item
PeerReviewed

2012-05-31

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