This research focuses on the potential use of Canna hybrida `King Humbert' for removing simazine from contaminated water generated at golf courses and ornamental nurseries. Because of simazine's herbicidal activity, it is important for levels in solution not to exceed plant tolerance levels. Tolerance levels for C. hybrida were determined by dosing plants for 7 d with 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 mg simazine/L nutrient media. Measurements of 7-d fresh mass production and photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) were taken. Simazine uptake and distribution within the plant was determined by dosing plants with 2.03 mCi 14C-simazine (0.243 mg/L) for 1, 3, 5, or 7 d. Plant tissues were analyzed by combustion and liquid scintillation counting. Fresh mass production was reduced 66% and 78% for plants exposed to 1.0 and 3.0 mg/L, respectively. Likewise, photosynthetic efficiency was reduced to 66% and 40% of the controls at the same respective concentrations. Plant uptake of simazine accounted for 13%, 34%, 48%, and 65% of the original simazine in the dosing solution after 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-d exposure, respectively. This simazine was distributed primarily between roots and leaves.
Characteristic and biosorption capacities of orange peels biosorbents for removal of ammonia and nitrate from contaminated water
