A Study of Microfiber Phytoremediation in Vertical Hydroponics

Microfibers (MFs) are one of the most prevalent microplastic (MP) sub-groups found in aquatic environment released from many sources, including household laundry. MPs pose risks to growth rate terrestrial/aquatic biota and through biomagnification. Although MFs can be ingested by humans, their toxic effects potential impact on public health not yet clearly understood. Moreover, removal MPs, MFs, during wastewater treatment is a challenge, since plants designed collect them. Therefore, this work aims study situ phytoremediation microfibers domestic washing machine effluent growing barley vertical hydroponic system. The temporal variation growth, water quality parameters, length distribution were evaluated over 4 weeks. We investigated MFs’ interaction with two systems: without (System NP) (used as control) P). results show negatively affected at end weeks, mainly accumulation phosphate presence fungi. However, level dissolved oxygen System P satisfactory decreases considerably (mainly for > 600 µm) different interactions roots. These corroborated microscopy images. total system was 52% week 2, decreasing 42%. This first time that has been using hydroponics, which demonstrates used level. It also shows an experimental methodology, analyses impacts plant merit. expected will contribute new investigations MF green technologies.