Application of Aquatic Plants Phytoremediators as Green Technology Treatment in Polluted Urban Lakes Ecology

Abstract

The aim of this research is to determine the species of aquatic plant for water quality remediation in polluted urban lake ecology. The removal rate of pollutants such as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Plumbum (Pb), and Iron (Fe) will be examined through a model system. These water quality parameters were chosen due to their high concentrations and may cause contamination to microorganism and aquatic urban lake ecology. Urban lake wastewater samples will be taken from 3study areas which are TasikAman, Petaling Jaya, Tasik Ayer Keroh Melaka and Tasik Taman Pelangi Indah, Johor, which according to National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) in 2010 to be the most polluted lake in Malaysia. Plants will be selected based on its availability, landscape value and highest pollution reduction. Batch treatment in a model system method will be adopted. Plants will be placed in a tank filled with the urban lake wastewater to be treated. The wastewater qualities and the plant growth will be monitored for 14 days on daily basis. The effectiveness of these plants to be used as phytoremediation for urban lake wastewater pollution and the best retention time will be identified.