The Phytoremediation Potential of a Singapore Forest Tree for Bioretention Systems

Tree species have large biomass and extensive root systems, giving them great potential for phytoremediation. It is beneficial to plant native species as these species are naturally adapted to the local climate and growth conditions, and they can support local biodiversity as well. Elateriospermum t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of materials science and engineering. B 2014-07, Vol.4 (7B)
Main Authors: Chen, Xiangting Cleo, Huang, Liling, Ong, Bee Lian
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomass
Nitrate removal
Nitrates
Phosphates
Phytoremediation
Plants (organisms)
Pots
Trees
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Summary:Tree species have large biomass and extensive root systems, giving them great potential for phytoremediation. It is beneficial to plant native species as these species are naturally adapted to the local climate and growth conditions, and they can support local biodiversity as well. Elateriospermum tapos (E. tapos) Blume tree saplings were investigated in pot experiments to understand their phytoremediation potential. The saplings were planted in a soil-based mediumof known composition with pots of unplanted soil as control. Tap water spiked with 10mg/L nitrate and 2mg/L phosphate was used to represent the highest range of nutrient pollutants found in stormwater in Singapore. Chlorophyll fluorescence and SPAD data showed the plants were healthy throughout the experiments. E. tapos tree saplings showed improved nitrate removal compared to barren pots. In addition, the nitrate removal efficiency of the barren potsdecreased over time, whereas the nitrate removal efficiency of vegetated pots increased over time. At the end of the experiments, all plants were harvested and destructive analysis showed that Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) in the dried plant parts was significantly higher in the leaves of plants irrigated with the water spiked with nitrate and phosphate compared to plants irrigated with tap water. The excess nitrate absorbed by the plant was converted and stored in the leaf biomass. Phosphate removal in both vegetated and barren pots was comparable. The accumulation of TKN in the aboveground biomass of the plants is desirable as excess nitrate taken up by the plants can be removed from the system as harvestable biomass. E. tapos Blume tree saplings have potential for the phytoremediation of nitrate and phosphate found in urban stormwater in Singapore and will be suitable for planting in bioretention systems.
ISSN:2161-6221