Investigation of Bioremediation of Quinoa plant for Desalination of unconventional waters

One of the most significant techniques for saline wastewater treatment is bioremediation. Halophytes are known as the plants that can tolerate the high concentration of salts, in such salinity common plants cannot be often able to survive. In this research, the feasibility of desalination by using halophyte (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) was studied. Quinoa plants were grown in the hydroponic system in 12 containers including 9 containers with plants and 3 containers without plants as control. Fifteen plants were planted in each container and three salinity levels including 2, 8, and 14 ds/m for two different periods (15 and 30 days) were studied in a multi-factors completely randomized design. Three replications of each salinity level were conducted and the Electrical Conductivity (EC) parameters, including Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, and Chloride ions were determined before and after treatment by Quinoa plants. The results showed that the Quinoa plants reduced 5.33%, 8.12%, and 9.35% of the EC at EC~2 dS/m (Marginal Water), EC~8 dS/m (Brackish Water), and EC~14 dS/m (Saline Water), respectively. Moreover, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, and Chloride ions decreased up to 10%, 7.62%, 5.60%, and 7.01%, respectively depending on the salinity levels. Therefore, the Quinoa plant has a relatively low potential in unconventional water treatment especially saline wastewater.