Tolerance of free-floating aquatic macrophytes to sugarcane vinasse and its implications for phytoremediation strategies

Abstract

Sugarcane vinasse is a byproduct of the ethanol industry that has been associated with environmental impacts, including ecotoxicity. However, several nature-based alternatives have been studied to attenuate environmental pollution, including phytoremediation. In such a scenario, this research aimed to evaluate the phytotoxicity of vinasse to aquatic plants, assessing the tolerance of three free-floating aquatic macrophytes, namely Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes, and Salvinia auriculata. Five vinasse proportions (up to 20%) were considered to assess the short-term growth of aquatic plants. P. stratiotes and S. auriculata were more sensitive to vinasse than E. crassipes, which showed resistance at 10 and 20%. Lower dilutions were non-toxic and even stimulated the growth of macrophytes, which might contribute to the uptake of nutrients and potentially toxic elements. The selection of tolerant species contributes to the application of phytotechnologies, and the studied plants might have potential for the phytoremediation of vinasse.