Abstract

The results of the water purification studies using water parsley (Oenanthe javanica) were obtained as follows. The removal rate of nutrient salts increased with longer plant growth periods. The results of this study use the assumption, log(T+1) = $K(C_0-C)^A$, based on Prakish's Theory. The initial concentration was calculated from experimental data. A and K are closely related to the initial concentration. It is possible to model the concentration of residual salts, as time goes by, if concentration is constant. It was observed that water parsley neutralizes acid and alkali substances promptly. The maximum suitable neutralization period is 48 hours. But water parsley withered up in strong acid and alkali solutions within a week. The removal efficiency of Cd progresses in 2 steps, which are unrelated to the initial concentration of Cd. The first part of the curve shows the concentration rapid rate of Cd removal, followed by a levelling off. The removal rate of $NO_x-N$ in the sample water tank containing 0.5 ppm Cd was between 50~80% but the removal rate was less than 20% for the higher concentration. On the other hand, increased amounts of $PO_4-P$ in the sample water tank from the third day on suspected that $PO_4-P$ was desorbed from the water parsley. The accumulation efficiency of Cd in plant was increased in proportion to the initial concentration of Cd. The accumulation phenomenon was observed in the tanks more than 50~100 times.

Keywords

• water parsley;
• nutrient salts;
• neutralization;
• cadmium