Effect of Pulp and Paper Mill Effluents on Phytoplankton (Duck Weed)

Abstract

To assess the effect of pulp paper mill effluents on phytoplankton, duckweed (Spirodela polyrriza) were exposed to 100, 75, 50 and 25% concentration of the effluents for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days exposure. Data demonstration that duckweed showed significant accumulation of metal (Cu, Fe and Zn) which were dependent on concentration and exposure duration. A maximum accumulation of metal was recorded in higher concentration of the effluent. Impact of different concentration of pulp and paper mill effluents on the total chlorophyll content and biomass exposed duckweed plant for varying days was also studied. Reduction of total chlorophyll content and biomass of duckweeds was recorded at higher effluent concentration and prolonged duration of treatment.