Seasonal metal sequestration by acidophilic Algae in mine waste water of Simsang River, East Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India
1 Mautushi Das, 2 Marchia K. Sangma and 3 Insan Ara Rahman
1,2Department of Botany, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya-793101 India 3Department of Botany, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Adarsha Mahavidyalaya, Amjonga, Goalpara-783124 India *Email:moushg@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The present study deals with an aim to observe how the plentiful growth of filamentous algal species and few diatoms which has an ability to absorb/adsorb dissolved metals in Acid Mine Drainage impacted water bodies. The findings indicated low pH, high conductivity, low DO, and higher levels of hazardous metals (measured above BIS/WHO standards). Despite the fact of high acidic and traces of dissolved toxic metals, mat of green filamentous algae was found abundantly growing in all the sites which increases a huge biomass. The water and algal mat was collected from three different sites (i.e. Site-I, Site-II & Site-III) of Simsang River near coal mining areas. Important Physico-chemical characteristics such as pH, DO, conductivity, acidity were done following the standard methods prescribed by APHA (2005) and sequestration of metals such as Fe, Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni & Mn by both water and algae were done by the use of atomic absorption spectrophotometer. A few resistant species proliferated quickly while damaged streams increased their biomass, which was mostly observed in Site-II. Significant seasonal fluctuations were seen in the metal concentration of the algal mat and water samples taken during the research. As per observation, metals present in the water were sequestrated effectively by dominant algae.