Phytoremediation of Bisphenol A and Total Dissolved Solids by the Mangrove Plant, Bruguiera Gymnorhiza

Abstract

Bruguiera gymnorhiza, an evergreen mangrove tree, is tolerant of bisphenol A (BPA) and has potential BPA removal capability. BPA is highly toxic to plants at high concentrations, wherein they exhibit damaged symptoms such as chlorosis, necrosis, and wilting. The LD₅₀ of BPA toxicity for this plant was statistically estimated to be 39.97 mg L^–1. B. gymnorhiza can reduce COD from 15408 ± 246 to 49 ± 30 mg L^–1 by (approximately 99% reduction of the initial value) and can reduce content to levels below the industrial effluent standard of Thailand (<120 mg L^–1) within 48 days. This plant can completely remove BPA from the solution within 51 days of treatment. Polysaccharides and organic acids were found in the solution and were caused by plant response to the toxicity of BPA. In addition, B. gymnorrhiza can also reduce total dissolved solids (TDS) and salinity in real wastewater. Therefore, B. gymnorrhiza has potential for removal of BPA and TDS in contaminated in wastewater.

KEY WORDS:

• phytoremediation
• bisphenol A
• total dissolved solids
• B. gymnorhiza

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This research is supported by the Thailand Research Fund through the Royal Golden Jubilee Ph.D. Program and King Mongkut's University of Technology of Thonburi (Grant No. PHD/02296/2551).