Phytoremediation Raft Remove Toxic Pollutants Water

The following photos are examples of where ElectroHemp Phytoremediation Raft designs can be designed to remove any number or combination of toxic pollutants found in water sources from Bridgetown and Westlake Landfill this would stop the pollution from entering the Public Water Supply, as pointed out by Alex Cohen.

The above 3 photos courtesy Environmental Activist and Humanitarian Alex Cohen- https://m.faceboAlex Cohen.
ElectroHemp Phytoremediation Rafts Remediation Example for decontamination of water.

ElectroHemp Phytoremediation Rafts

Natural biofilters for toxic metals

The following Science Paper highlights how ElectroHemp Phytoremediation Rafts can be used as Biofilters to clean pollution from water sources.

Phytoremediation Raft Infographic- Plants cycle water toxins when grown on Rafts

a wide variety of agricultural and forestry by products have been used as biosorbents of toxic metals in a bid to develop biofilters for specific applications Electronic Journal of Biotechnology: 

The added benefit of how ElectroHemp equips these rafts with Electrokinetics will actually increase the toxic contamination removal because of the forced migration of the toxins is directed towards the rafts and plants roots which growing on the Phytoremediation Rafts.

ElectroHemp Phytoremediation Raft designs can be designed to remove any number or combination of toxic pollutants found in water sources.

 Real Life Example phytoremediation raft design for the removal of Lead (Pb) from Water

A floating phytoremediation raft constructed of: waste tea leaves, Pinus pinaster bark, Olea europea, Acacia nilotica bark. Which has these plant examples growing on it: Kenaf, Water Lettuce, Alligator Weed create a combination of Natural Solutions in the detoxification of Lead (Pb) from water. Scotty, ElectroHemp 

Phytoremediation Science Paper link

• i) Cotton - Hg; Groundnut skins - Cu; 
• Tree Bark (Pinus, Acacia etc.) - variety of metals; 
• Agrowaste - variery of metals; 
• waste tea leaves - Pb, Cd, and Zn; 
• Pinus radiata -U; 
• Apple waste -Variety of metals; 
• Cellulose - Variety of metals; Rice hulls - Variety of metals; 
• Exhausted coffee grounds - Hg; 
• Pinus pinaster bark - Zn, Cu, Pb. Saw mill dust (wood waste)- Cr; 
• Freshwater green algae - variety of metals; 
• Marine algae- Pb, Ni; 
• ii) Sphagnum (moss peat) - Cr(VI); 
• iii) Immobilized Aspergillus niger, A. oryzae - Cd, Cu, Pb, and Ni ; 
• Olive mill waste Olea europea Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Zn, Cu and Ni; 
• Streptomyces rimosus (bacteria); 
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast); 
• Penicillium chrysogenum (fungi), Fuscus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum (marine algae) Zn, Cu andNi; Phanerochaete chrysosporium, P. versicolar - Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, Cu; Pinus radiata - U;
• Immobilized Pseudomonas putida 5-X and Aspergillus niger, Mucor rouxxi - Cu; 
• Actionomycetes, Aspergillus niger, A.oryzae, Rhizopus arrhizus, R. nigricans- Cd; Rhizopus arrhizus - Cr(VI), Pb; Rhizopus nigricans, Phanarochaete chrysogenum -Pb; Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus arrhizus - Ni 

Acacia nilotica bark serves as an adsorbent of toxic metals. Bark (1 g) when added to 100 ml of aqueous solution containing 10 mg ml-1 metal solution exhibited different metal adsorption values for different metals. The order of metal adsorption being Cr > Ni > Cu > Cd> As > Pb. A similar trend of metal adsorption was observed when the bark is reused (1strecycle) Cr > Ni > Cu > Cd > Pb and also in the column-sorption. In order to verify the metal removal property of A. nilotica bark, toxicity bioassay with Salix viminalis stem cuttings in hydroponic system augmented with Cd, Cr and Pb together with A. nilotica bark powder was carried out. The results of toxicity bioassay confirmed the metal adsorption property of the bark powder. The functions of toxicity studies include leaf area, root length and number of new root primordia produced per stump. The leaf area, root length and number of new root primordia increased considerably in the presence of A. nilotica bark. The order of metal toxicity for leaf area and new root primordial is Cd > Cr > Pb. However, for root length the order of metal toxicity is Cr > Cd > Pb. The metal budgets of the leaf and root confirmed that the bark powder had adsorbed substantial amount of toxic metals and thus, alleviates the toxicity imposed by the various tested elements (Prasad et al. 2001).

Quercus ilex L. phytomass from stem, leaf and root as adsorbent of chromium, nickel, copper, cadmium and lead at ambient temperature was investigated. The metal uptake capacity of the root for different metals was found to be in the order of: Ni > Cd > Pb > Cu > Cr; stem Ni > Pb> Cu > Cd > Cr and leaf Ni > Cd > Cu > Pb > Cr. The highest amount adsorbed was Ni (root > leaf > stem). Data from this laboratory demonstrated that Ni is mostly sequestered in the roots where concentrations can be as high as 7.30 nmol/g dry weight, when one year old seedlings were treated with Ni (2000 mg/l) in pot culture experiments, compared to 0.13 nmol/g dry weight, in the control. This proves that the root biomass of Q. ilex has the capacity for complexing Ni. Chromium exhibited the least adsorption values for all the three types of phytomass compared to other metals. The trend of adsorption of the phytomass was similar for nickel and cadmium i.e. root > leaf > stem. Desorption with 10 mM Na2 EDTA was effective (55-90%). Hence, there exists the possibility of recycling the phytomass. The biosorption results of recycled phytomass suggests, that the selected adsorbents are reusable (Prasad and Freitas, 2000).

Phytoremediation Alligator Weed Lead + Mercury

Alligator Weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) was used for removal of lead and mercury from polluted waters. It is possible to use these species to restore the biosolid and sewage sludge contaminated sites, while exercising caution on human consumption.

Phytoremediation with Alligator Weed to remove Lead and Mercury from water.

Alternanthera philoxeroides, commonly referred to as alligator weed, is a native species to the temperate regions of South America, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Argentina alone, hosts around 27 species that fall within the range of the genus Alternanthera. Wikipedia

Article Science paper: Metal hyperaccumulation in plants - Biodiversity prospecting for phytoremediation technologys source Edible plants and vegetables crops plants and vegetables crops

The dominant leaf vegetable producing species viz. Amaranthus spinosus, Alternanthera philoxeroides and A. sessiles growing on the sewage sludge of Musi river located in greater Hyderabad City (close to 17º26' N latitude and 78º27' E longitude), Andhra Pradesh, India was investigated for metal accumulation. 

• The transfer factor for metals was calculated Metal content in plant part (dry wt.)/ Metal content in soil (dry.wt).
• Transfer factor and metal content Cd (non-essential), Zn and Fe (essential) in plant parts of these selected species indicate their aility to bioconcentrate in their tissues (Figure 12). 
• The concentration of these metals is invariably high in leaf tissue (Bañuelos and Meek, 1989; Prasad, 2001b). 
• Thus, it is possible to use these species to restore the biosolid and sewage sludge contaminated sites, while exercising caution on human consumption. 
  

 It is also possible to supplement the dietary requirement of human food with Zn and Fe as these being essential nutrients and the plant species are edible. 

[Warning] However, there is a need to monitor the metal transfer factor through food chain (Bañuelos and Meek, 1989; Bañuelos et al. 1993a; Bañuelos et al. 1993b).

Alligator Weed description courtesy of Wikipedia- Alternanthera philoxeroides can thrive in both dry and aquatic environments and is characterized by whitish, papery flowers along its short stalks, irregular, or sprawling hollow stems, and simple and opposite leave pattern sprouting from its nodes. The species is dioecious. It is also considered a herbaceous plant due to its short-lived shoot system. It produces horizontal stems, otherwise known as stolons, that can sprout up to 10 m in length and thanks to its hollow stems, floats easily. This results in large clusters of stem to amass and create dense mats along the surface. The plant flowers from December to April and usually grows around 13 mm in diameter and tend to be papery and ball-shaped. The weed's intricate root system can either allow them to hang free in the water to absorb nutrients or directly penetrate the soil/sediment and pull their nutrients from below.

Hemp PFAS groundwater remediation

Too bad the EPA Scientist weren't interested in Solving the Pollution that is contaminating this earth. https://t.co/Kp1JDyrJKq https://t.co/estfCyq4uY

— systembuster (@stlsystembuster) November 14, 2022

Researcher Dr Brett Turner from Newcastle University and his team have developed a natural and effective solution for removing toxic PFAS chemicals from groundwater.

Episode Notes

Researcher Dr Brett Turner from Newcastle University and his team have developed a natural and effective solution for removing toxic PFAS chemicals from groundwater.

 

He also explains how their research is also looking at how hemp plants can be used to remediate PFAS contaminated soil. 

University of Newcastle researchers are on track to create a solution to per-and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, in a project that could benefit the Williamtown community and countless other sites across the world. 

L to R: Research team members Mr Glenn Currell, Dr Brett Turner and Dr Dan Bishop.

Dr Brett Turner and a team from the University’s Priority Research Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering, are to continue investigating the use of hemp seed proteins, and the hemp plant itself, to treat water and soil contaminated with PFAS. As announced in the 2019-2020 budget, the Federal Government has awarded $4.7m to the researchers for this work.

The man-made chemicals known as PFASs have been widely used in food wrappers, textile stains, non-stick cooking utensils, carpet and furniture protectants, insecticides, electronics, and in fire-fighting foams, as they are highly effective against hydrocarbon fuel fires.

Within Australia a number of sites have been identified as having groundwater and soil contaminated with PFAS including the Williamtown RAAF base in NSW; Oakey Aviation Centre in QLD, and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) training facility in Fiskville VIC.

Globally, the extent of this problem is even greater, with more than 41,000 airports in the world, many of which are potentially contaminated with PFAS. Considered almost non-degradable in nature, many conventional treatments for PFAS remediation are not effective, yet the costs of PFAS remediation technologies are exorbitant.

Dr Turner said the team’s early findings, supported by an initial $600,000 grant through the NSW Government’s Research Attraction and Acceleration Program, were being further explored, and applied to the more complex challenge of contaminated soil.

“We found that hemp has a remarkable affinity for PFAS chemicals in groundwater, so we expect that this can be applied to remediate contaminated soil – an area where currently there are no options,” Dr Turner said.

Director of the Priority Research Centre and 2015 NSW Scientist of the Year, Laureate Professor Scott Sloan said the next stage of the research would pioneer a more cost-effective way of removing chemical compounds from soil, groundwater and surface waters in a natural way.

“We are excited about the potential benefits for the residents around our local RAAF base at Williamtown, and for other affected communities worldwide,” Laureate Professor Sloan said.

The $4.7m funding has been awarded through the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science over five years. This research is also supported by the University of Newcastle with additional funding of $1.5m.

“We’d like to thank the Government for the funding, as well as Senator Brian Burston for his significant efforts in helping to secure it,” Dr Brett Turner said.

“This critical grant will allow us to increase our team, employing three Doctoral Fellows, four PhD students and a research technician. We look forward to continuing the hard work, and pioneering a local solution to a global problem.”

Here is the audio recording see photos below of the system Scotty with ElectoHemp has been designing and working on.

ElectroHemp Hydroponic Remediation Examples

Water Pollution Clean Up Contamination Removal - Pilot Study Option 11A and 12A .

Water pump circulates contaminated water through the plant roots which phytoextract the toxins.

Testing Highlights

Each Stage allows for determining the reduction in water contamination levels (11A).

• Reduction per plant, stage, and total.
• Financial Costs of phytoremediation
• Length of Time Required for Total, Partial phytoextraction of contamination.
• Before, During, After Plant phyto-location tests: Roots, Stalk, Leaves, Seeds

It's not Rocket Science it's Phyto Science 

The Magic Happens in the Roots of the Plants as they absorb the pollution.

Infographic by Scotty scottscontracting@gmail.com

Water Pollution Clean Up Contamination Removal - Pilot Study Option 11A. 4 Stage Water cleanup testing station. Hydroponic toxic removal.

Water Pollution Clean Up Contamination Removal Pilot Study Option 12A. 

Testing Option- Individual Plant Pots

Electro Hemp Bio Rad
Water Pollution Clean Up Contamination Removal
Pilot Study Option 12A.
Testing Options Individual Plant Pots
>Water
Clean or Contaminated Water
Clean or Contaminated Growing Mediums

>Plant
Before During and Growth Stages
Harvestime Toxic Translocation pic.twitter.com/Xqu2C5Ma1l

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) June 20, 2018

8/15/17 Letter MO DNR, Politicians, Reporters, et al

MO DNR Employees, Politiicians, Reporters, et al

ublicnoticenpdes@dnr.mo.govcontact@dnr.mo.gov, environmental.education@dnr.mo.gov, mowaters@dnr.mo.gov, envirolab@dnr.mo.gov, hazwaste@dnr.mo.gov, soils@dnr.mo.gov, cleanwater@dnr.mo.gov, drinkingwater@dnr.mo.gov, mining@dnr.mo.gov christopher.nagel@dnr.mo.gov communications@dnr.mo.gov Senator Claire McCaskill Michele Kratky  Mariah Chappel Nadalcc: Tony Messenger StL Post Dispatch

RE: 2 part email- Storm Water Permit MO-0122771

Part 1: Missouri Resident, St. Louis Voter. Part 2: Problem and Economical Solution Examples

This is my 3rd contact with the MO DNR. I'd like to remind everyone that the Team and I are willing to offer any assistance needed to assist in containing and contolling the polloution from the landfill. I am not going to give up helping my neighbors as I will partly be helping myself in an act of self preservation to avoid becoming a Cancer Cluster Statistic. Scotty

Part 1: As a MIssouri Voter:

I am continually shocked at the continued lack of remedial action at the Westlake Landfill. MO DNR own documents prove the contamination is spreading outside the landfill. MO DNR cannot continue to deny the facts.  Letting the pollution reach the city sewers and the Missouri River, as it is currently happening in addition to allowing the leechage pumping system to drain into the city sewers as the numerous photos show and were tracked by Residents of the community, is a total disregard for the Health of the residents in the Region.

Part 2: Problem

"Stormwater from just outside the fence line of the West Lake Landfill complex, the dumping ground for Manhattan Project-era radioactive waste, contains a variety of radioactive isotopes, according to test results released late last month by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The sampling of stormwater overflow, conducted on April 30 as heavy rains pounded the region, found levels of alpha particle activity that exceed the threshold allowed for drinking water. Uranium, radium and gross beta readings all registered within acceptable limits for drinking water, which the department used as a comparative baseline because of its stringent standards. StLouis Post Dispatch " https://dnr.mo.gov/bridgeton/docs/20170430StormWaterResults.pdf

**Important** Radioactive Alpha particles found by the State of MO DNR in Storm Water from this past...

Solution Examples:

"Plants as Water Protectors" 

Toxins can be cycled from the water inexpensively with plants in a process called Phytoremediation.

2: Riparian Buffer Zone Examples in Real Life St.Louis Locations. 

Location 1:

Location 2: IKEA 

The above images were used as examples in a remediaiton information packet called: Plants as Water Protectors information series.

Article 5- Phytromediation Rafts with Electrokinetics

Article 4- Plants as Water Protectors

Article 3- Citizen Science Phytoremediation Research StLouis

Article 2- St Louis IKEA Phyto Buffer Zone pt2
Article 1- IKEAs lesser known environmental project

IKEAs lesser known environmental project

If only more business cared about the environment as much as IKEA does.

Most everyone has heard that the St Louis IKEA Store is powered by solar panels!  Here is a lesser known environmental project they have incorporated into the property along Forest Park and Vandeventer Streets.

The parking lot in of the St Louis IKEA store drains into a low $$$ cost natural phytoremediation filter system.

Article 1 Plants as Water Protectors blog series

Article 5- Phytromediation Rafts with Electrokinetics

Article 4- Plants as Water Protectors

Article 3- Citizen Science Phytoremediation Research StLouis

Article 2- St Louis IKEA Phyto Buffer Zone pt2

Article 1- IKEAs lesser known environmental project

The IKEA's Engineers and Crew that installed the water filtration Phytoremediation project did a seamless job of blending the bioremediation system into the natural environment.  If it wouldn't have been for my growing the Kenaf plants and seeing the unmistakable Kenaf Flowers- I may not have noticed. 

IKEA Store Flags and Kenaf Flowering Plants used modified Riparian Buffer StLouis 

IKEA Parking Lot drains away from the building into modified riparian buffers along Forest Park Parkway and Vandeventer

Any contaminants that escape or drip from the Autos in the parking lot will eventually make their way into the modified riparian buffer zone that removes the toxins naturally

The break in the concrete curb allows the water to enter the riparian buffer zone where the Plants naturally cycle the toxins from the water.

Phytoremediation Plants are growing in a bed of Gravel and Rock allowing the roots of the plants direct contact with the toxins that will be removed by Phytoremediation.

 In ElectroHemps IKEAs next sustainable bioremediation post (publication date 9/1/16) I will explain with photos, diagrams, and CAD drawings how the water toxins are removed before entering the public water system.

Toxins and Contaminants are removed the Natural Way by using Plants in a process called Phytoremediation. 

https://electrohemp.blogspot.com/2017/07/citizen-science-phytoremediation.html