Abstract
Tests were conducted under greenhouse conditions to evaluate the ability of Eichhornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae) and Sphagnum quinquefarium (Sphagnaceae) to ameliorate acid mine water discharged from coal operations. In addition, the survivorship and growth rate ofE. crassipes (water-hyacinth), cultured in toxic acid mine water, were determined. The results of both short-and long-term studies indicated thatE. crassipes readily reduced levels of heavy metals in acid mine water while the plants exhibited few signs of toxicity. Patterns of reduction of pollutants, for bothE. crassipes andS. quinquefarium indicated that treatment efficiency could be improved by the periodic harvesting of plants. It is suggested that the ease with which water-hyacinths can be introduced into wetlands and harvested cannot be economically duplicated with other plants currently in use in treating acid mine water.
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Falbo, M.B., Weaks, T.E. A Comparison ofEichhornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae) andSphagnum quinquefarium (Sphagnaceae) in treatment of acid mine water. Econ Bot 44, 40–49 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02861065
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02861065