Investigation of the lead (Pb) removal potential of two aquatic macrophytes (Limnobium laevigatum, Egeria densa) under laboratory conditions with a microcosm approach

This study aimed to investigate the potential of two aquatic macrophytes, L. laevigatum (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Heine and E. densa Planch., to remove lead (Pb) heavy metal from two different water environments (Pool water & 25% Hoagland) at three different concentrations (1 ppm, 5 ppm, 15 ppm) over 7 days. The Pb-exposed water and plant samples for 7 days were collected on days 1, 4, and 7 to determine the plants' Pb removal from water and lead accumulation. Some physicochemical parameters of the water (pH, dissolved O2, EC, and temperature) were also measured. Additionally, the weight of the plants was measured throughout the experimental period to monitor their growth rates. The plants' Pb removal and bioaccumulation rates were higher in pool water compared to the 25% Hoagland medium. The Pb accumulation in the plants was higher in E. densa in both aquatic medium. The plant growth rate decreased more in pool water compared to the 25% Hoagland medium. Based on the results of this study, L. laevigatum and E. densa macrophytes were more effective for Pb removal at low (1 ppm) and moderate (5 ppm) concentrations.