Tolerance and decolorization potential of duckweed (Lemna gibba) to C.I. Basic Green 4

With growing human culture and industrialization, many pollutants are being introduced into aquatic ecosystems. In recent years, dyes have become a major water pollutant used in the manufacture of paints and other production purposes. In this research, the potential of duckweed (Lemna gibba) plant was investigated spectrophotometrically as an obvious bioagent for the biological decolorization of the organic dye C.I. Basic Green 4 (Malachite Green, BG4). Photosynthetic efficiency analysis showed that the photosynthetic apparatus of L. gibba is very tolerant to BG4. Significant induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes was observed after 24h of biodecolorization process in L. gibba treated with 15 and 30 mg/l BG4. The experimental results showed that L. gibba has a strong ability to extract BG4 from contaminated water and the best results were obtained at 25–30°C and pH 8.0. We conclude that duckweed L. gibba can be used as a potent decolorization organism for BG4.