J.S. KIRAN KUMAR, V. KOTESWARA RAO, M.V. BHASKAR REDDY AND C.V. NARASIMHA MURTHY
Abstract
Soil runoff through rains, floods and overflow not only erodes soil but also enriches water with fertilizers metals and chemicals in storm waters. Storm water quality impairment by nutrient and metal enrichment from agricultural activities has been a concern worldwide. Phytoremediation technology using aquatic plants is evaluated for its efficacy in removing N, P, and metals from storm water inundation ponds. Hydrilla verticillata plants were grown in treatment ponds where storm water accumulates. Hydrilla plant is tested for its Phytoremediation efficiency for absorption of N, P, and K for prevention of eutrophication. Water quality in experimental ponds with Hydrilla is improved by Phytoremediation which is evidenced by decreased turbidity, total solids, and nutrient concentrations. Turbidity is decreased by more than 40%, total solids by 30% and NO3 - concentrations in the Hydrilla treated water by 64.7%. A total Phosphorus concentration in water is approximately reduced by 60 %. Calcium (29%), Mg (56%), and Na (29%). The results from this study indicate that Hydrilla can be used as a great potential plant in removing N,P, NO3 and the metals (Ca, Mg, Na) from atrophic storm waters and improving water quality properties.