Landfill leachate ecotoxicity experiments using Lemna minor

Abstract

The effects of varying concentrations of landfill leachate on the growth, frond area, chlorophyll content and fluorescence of four strains of Lemna minor were assessed. Growth fluorescence and frond chlorophyll content decreased after seven days exposure to leachate, although responses differed between the strains and end parameters. A L. minor bioassay was used to assess leachate toxicity and the effectiveness of a constructed wetland treatment system and pre-treatment aeration and settlement in reducing toxicity. Pre-treatments were found to significantly reduce toxicity, so their incorporation in any treatment system may increase pollutant stripping.