Phytoremediation of xylene polluted environment, using a macrophyte Commelina benghalensis L.

Phytoremediation of xylene polluted environment was carried out in the laboratory using Commelina benghalensis. The plant was grown in 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% concentration of water saturated fractions of xylene. Growth parameters such as numbers of leaves, formation of aerial root along with the uptake of petroleum hydrocarbon by Commelina benghalensis was used to determined its hyperaccumulative capacity. A range of (0.018- 0.027) mg/L was recorded in 0%-8% concentration respectively. Maximum uptake of (0.034mg/L) was recorded for 8% while the minimum uptake of (0.002 mg/L) was recorded for 2%. Death rate of plants in lower concentration (2%) was observed to be less pronounced than other concentration (4%-8%). Generally, formation of aerial root was observed in all concentrations of treatment culture, this was observed to be higher also in lower concentrations(2% and 4%) than higher concentrations(6% and 8%). The result of this study shows the ability of the macropphyte Commelina benghalensis in uptake and hyperaccumulation of xylene and could be useful in environmental management of hydrocarbon pollution with special emphasis on xylene.

Author(s): Denise Emmanuel, Udoh Elsie and Akansi Patience

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