TITLE: Can a Biocoil System Remove Heavy Metals From Water
AUTHOR: Jessica Eckhardt
SCHOOL: Minuteman Tech High School
SCHOOL ADDRESS: 758 Marett Road, Lexington, MA 02173

The purpose of this project is to determine if Indian Mustard Greens can remove heavy metals (i.e., chromium) from water. The Biocoil System is an array of clear tubing containing algae and plants, along with a pump, used to circulate and oxygenate the water, and a reservoir, for increased volume. A grow light was used to promote the development of biological components. During Phase One, completed by May 1997, algae was grown to remove excess nutrients from water. A sand/soil filter was used to filter the effluent before discharging. In September, 1997, a second layer of tubing, with holes for the Indian Mustard Greens, was added to the system. The algae remained in the lower original layer of tubing. Chromium was introduced into the system. Water samples were taken daily and tested with standard dilutions using a standard Hach procedure. Measurements were taken from standards, samples and controls using a spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 540 nm. Graphs were prepared to obtain the mg/L and show the change over time. The amount of chromium in the water decreased over two days by about 9%. The concentration after adding chromium was 0.970 mg/L and two days later, 0.907 mg/L. In conclusion, the chromium level in the water has decreased. Future tests will be conduced to verify that the chromium was absorbed by the plants. The measurements will be taken by digesting the plants and determining their chromium content.