Evaluation of Phytoremediation Activity of Vetiver Grass for Landfill Leachate Treatment

Abstract Submission: This study evaluates the potential of Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides) for treating landfill leachate through phytoremediation, with a focus on heavy metal removal. Fully grown vetiver grass were cultivated under controlled conditions in the Jackson State University (JSU) lab to ensure optimal health and growth before being used in the experiment. Four 5-gallon buckets were prepared, each containing a 50% solution of landfill leachate which were diluted with 50% tap water. The leachate was collected from the Canton Sanitary Landfill in Canton, MS. In each bucket, one vetiver grass was planted. Initial measurements established baseline conditions, including heavy metal concentrations using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. Monthly testing over four months tracked changes in heavy metal levels, pH and DO. ICP-OES analyses were conducted to assess metal uptake in the roots and shoots. Results showed a substantial reduction in heavy metal concentrations, with vetiver effectively absorbing contaminants, while DO levels increased, and pH stabilized, improving water quality. The Translocation Factor (TF) and Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) were calculated, confirming vetiver’s capability to accumulate and translocate heavy metals. Comparisons with control plants grown in freshwater demonstrated vetiver’s effectiveness as a sustainable phytoremediation tool for treating landfill leachate and improving environmental quality.

Learning Objectives/Expected Outcome (Optional) : Phytoremediation, Leachate, Vetiver, ICP-OES