Evaluación de la eficacia de la Heliconia psittacorum (heliconiaceae) cultivada hidropónicamente para la fitorremediación de aguas con presencia de cromo (VI).

Abstract

The present study aims to know the efficacy of Heliconia psittacorum (heliconiaceae) as a potential phytoremediation of chromium (VI) in hydroponic crops, for which irrigated water from the reservoir of the Faculty of Natural Resources of the Polytechnic School of Chimborazo with potassium dichromate (K2 Cr2 O7 ). The concentrations obtained were 10 mg/L, 20 mg/L and 30 mg/L Cr 6+ designating them as treatments A, B and C respectively, using a Completely Random Desing (CRD) with three replicates. To achieve the objective, a greenhouse of 35 m xxi

2 was designed and built in the facilities of the Faculty of Natural Resources as well as the system for hydroponic crops, the samples were characterized and the control temperature and relative humidity variables were recorded. To provide an optimum growth enviroment for the plant species, permanent aeration was given to the hydroponic crops and nutrient solution on three occasions, on days 1, 30 and 60. The apparent changes in the plant species were recorded to determine the strength of the plant. The efficiency of removal of chromium (VI) in 60 days was 20,83% in treatment A, 11,58% in treatment B and 3,69% in treatment C, obtaining a greater efficacy in treatment A, whose pollutant concentration is the lowest. The plant has a high capacity of translocation of heavy metals to the aerial part and a limited capacity of bio-concentration in the root, this is the reason why it is concluted that it is exclunding of heavy metals. The use of the Heliconia psittacorum species for phytoremediation of water with Cr 6+ at concentrations lower tan 10 mg/L is recommended in order to improve the absorption of the metal and avoid its death.