Abstract
Removal of lead, cadmium and copper using water hyacinth (Eichhorina crassipes Solms) from the solution polluted by the metals were studied. The plant was floated for one day on 2l of the solution containing the metal at various concentrations, and amount of the metal taken up by root of the plant was determined. Lead was taken up at the highest amount, followed by cadmium and copper. The maximum amount of lead taken up by the root in the experimental conditions was estimated at about 70mg per g dry root. Lead taken up from the solution containing sodium phosphate was determined in small quantities. The decrease of lead content of the root was caused by decrease of avilable lead in the solution. Sorption of the metal by water hyacinth was activated by stirring of the metal solution using magnetic stirrer or air pump.
