Phytoremediation using Rizophora mangle L. in mangrove sediments contaminated by persistent total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH's)

In this study developed a pilot-scale experiment during 0-3 months on the implementation of a Phytoremediation model with species Rizophora mangle L and a model of Intrinsic Bioremediation, in order to try to compare which model would achieve the maximum effectiveness of degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons in mangrove sediment. After 90 days a higher efficiency in removing organic compounds from sediment by Phytoremediation (87%) was observed. This larger efficiency in the remediation of the plant was enhanced with the largest growth of bacteria in its rhizosphere, reaching the highest CFU g(-1), 31 x 106. It was observed a larger growth of plants exposed to contaminated sediments (46.3 cm) compared to those grown in reference sediments (34.4 cm), suggesting a good adaptation. The data showed that the Phytoremediation is an effective in the degradation of TPH's, becoming a promising option in the application of the technique in mangrove areas. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.