Utilization of Pistia stratiotes L. and Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle as Phytoremediators for LAS Detergents

Abstract

The increase in human population causes water pollution to increase. One of the water pollutants used is wastewater washing which contains Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) detergent that can threaten the balance of the aquatic ecosystem. This research aims to describe the effect of a combination of Kayu Apu (Pistia stratiotes L.) and Ganggeng (Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle) on reducing LAS, pH, and BOD content. The research was carried out experimentally using a randomized block design (RBD) with one treatment factor, namely the level of detergent used (3 ppm, 9 ppm, and 15 ppm). The research was carried out 4 times in repetition so that there were 24 treatment units. The parameters measured in this research include LAS levels of planting media detergent, BOD levels, and degree of acidity (pH). The LAS data obtained were analyzed using the T-test with an accuracy level of 0.05. Water quality data in the form of BOD and pH were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively and then compared with quality standards. The results showed that there was an effect of plant combinations on reducing LAS, pH, and BOD at various detergent concentrations. The highest decrease in LAS occurred at a concentration of 9 ppm. The highest reduction in BOD levels occurred at a concentration of 15 ppm, and the combination of plants changed the pH to acid at various detergent concentrations. Thus, there is an influence of the combination of Pistia stratiotes L. and Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle plants on reducing LAS, pH, and BOD.