Phytoremediation of Reactive Yellow-176 (RY176) Dye by Lemna Species

Background and Objective: The discharge of industrial wastewater containing reactive dyes poses a significant environmental threat, necessitating sustainable remediation approaches that include the use of plant tissues to remove pollutants. This study explores the potential of Lemna species (duckweed) in the effective phytoremediation of reactive yellow-176 (RY176) dye. Materials and Methods: The study was achieved through inoculation of the fresh life biomass of the plant species (Lemna species) in the dye solution for 14 days. The dye removal efficiency was observed based on initial dye concentration, incubation period, biomass density and chlorophyll content. Results: The results showed an increase in biomass density (ranging from 18.0g - 28.5g) due to detoxification and repair mechanisms and a decrease in chlorophyll level (28.6µg/g - 19.3µg/g) with increased incubation period which was due to oxidative stress. A partial dye removal was observed which was within a range of 7.4 - 61.0 %. Dye removal increased within the first 7 days of inoculation and declined in subsequent days due to oxidative stress. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of the study revealed that Lemna species has low efficiency in the remediation of RY176. However, it can be a sustainable alternative for wastewater treatment to mitigate environmental pollution, when in synergy with other macrophyte species or microorganisms possessing dye-degrading capabilities.