CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study Water is a chemical substance that is essential to life. It covers 71% of the Earths surface, mostly in oceans and other large water bodies. For us human beings, water is very essential in order to live. Having no water taken for several days may cause death while the absence of food can cause death if not taken for weeks. Therefore, water is more important than food for one will die without water. Water has a big role in the process of life. Three-fourths of the human body is composed of water. Many of us do not know that minerals may be in our environment and even in the water reserves that we have. We drink this water and that water if not clean may cause diseases and even death. Some of the major contaminants of water are copper and lead. Everyday, copper is released to the environment by both natural resources and human activities like mining , metal production, wood production, and phosphate fertilizer production. Copper is otherwise beneficial or harmful to human beings. Copper is beneficial to humans because it is a trace element that is essential for human health. However, too much exposure to copper can result to such effects as irritation of the nose, mouth and eyes and it causes headaches. When copper is literally consumed into our systems, it can result to major damages like liver and kidney damage and even death.

Lead is an element, which is a very toxic element. It is used in the production of batteries, ammunition, metal products such as solder and pipes, devices to shield X-rays, and many more. Mainly, lead causes many harmful effects to the health of adults, both men and women, and even to children. It can affect almost all of our organs when swallowed or inhaled. A major disease caused by lead is cancer. When overly exposed to the mention element, lead poisoning in the nervous system, weakness in fingers, wrists and ankles. The problem nowadays is that these two elements, Copper and Lead are present in water supplies and may cause severe diseases to us humans and to the living things around us. These problems urged the researchers to conduct this experiment. Due to the much presence of these harmful elements, the researchers came up with this idea to help lessen the amount of these chemicals present in water. This research will surely help people to be aware of the diseases caused by these two elements since water is not good to drink knowing the possibility of these elements present in water. 1.2 Statement of the Problem This study aims to investigate the phytoremediation potential of Sphagnum moss (Sphagnum flexuosum) to Copper (Cu) and Lead (Pb) in water using a quantitative approach. Specifically, this study was conducted to answer these questions: 1.2.1 Will Sphagnum moss remove copper and lead from contaminated water?

1.2.2 Is Sphagnum moss effective in adsorbing copper and lead contamination in water? 1.2.3 How will the proponent determine that there is a reduction in the amount of copper and lead using Sphagnum moss?

1.3 General Objectives This study, Phytoremediation Potential of Sphagnum Moss (Sphagnum flexuosum) Against Selected Heavy Metals in Water, aims to determine the phytoremediation potential or the adsorption of contaminants in water. The adsorption property of Sphagnum moss shall be determined through the Titration Method.

1.4 Specific Objective This study aims: A. To find out the effects of Sphagnum moss ( Sphagnum flexuosum) to copper and lead. B. To asses the phytoremediation potential of Sphagnum moss (Sphagnum flexuosum). 1.5 Hypotheses ALTERNATIVE: Sphagnum moss (Sphagnum flexuosum) can effectively lower the amount of copper and lead in water. NULL: Sphagnum moss (Sphagnum flexuosum) cannot effectively lower the amount of copper and lead in water.

1.6 Significance of the Study This study is significant because chemical elements occurring at our natural resources and human activities are now polluting our waters without the knowledge of many people. They dont know what would happen to them if they drink these chemicals which are mixed with water we drink everyday. This will bring illnesses and even result to the death of human beings. This study is very important because it help reduce the pollution in the environment with the use of Sphagnum mosses (Sphagnum flexuosum), a common plant that is found and seen in the surroundings. Therefore, this experiment serves to educate the people on the existence and hazard of copper and lead ions in their lives. This study also serves as an avenue on the effectiveness of Sphagnum moss in absorbing and reducing the amount of copper and lead in water. If this study is successful another alternative to plants with Pytoremedial effects may be found.

1.7 Scope and Limitations This study, Phytoremediation Potential of Sphagnum Moss (Sphagnum flexuosum) Against Selected Heavy Metals in Water, was conducted in the Science Laboratory of General Santos Hope Christian School. This is only limited to the Pytoremedial effects of Sphagnum moss on copper and lead and no other plants or contaminants were used in this experiment.

This study employed 3 treatments of contaminated water of copper and also 3 treatments for lead. Titration Testing was conducted to determine the amount of lead and copper that was absorbed by the moss. The said experiments were conducted from August 31, 2010 to September 7, 2010 in the Science Laboratory of General Santos Hope Christian School

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms 1.8.1 Phytoremediation - Phytoremediation describes the treatment

of environmental problems (bioremediation) through the use of plants that mitigate the environmental problem without the need to excavate the contaminant material and dispose of it elsewhere. 1.8.2 Distilled water - water that has many of its impurities removed Distillation involves boiling the water and then

through distillation.

condensing the steam into a clean container.

1.8.3

Titration - A titration is a method of analysis that will allow you to

determine the precise endpoint of a reaction and therefore the precise quantity of reactant in the titration flask.
1.8.4

Copper - Copper is reddish and takes on a bright metallic luster. It

is malleable, ductile, and a good conductor of heat and electricity.

1.8.5

Lead - Lead is a bluish-white metal of bright luster. It is very soft,

highly malleable, ductile, and a poor conductor of electricity.

1.8.6

Sphagnum moss - The leaves are small and grow in short tufts

near the stem. It can range in color from green to yellow and even pink, brown or red. 1.8.7 Heavy Metals - A heavy metal is a member of an ill-defined subset

of elements that exhibit metallic properties, which would mainly include the transition metals, some metalloids, lanthanides, and actinides.

Chapter 2 Review of Related Literature

Sphagnum Moss Sphagnum moss, Sphagnum flexuosum, commonly known as Bog Moss, is the only true Moss that has yet proved itself to be of appreciable economic value. Sphagnum moss can be found in a large variety of areas from the cold arctic to the warm tropics; however, it is most common in the countries across the Northern Hemisphere, New Zealand, and South America. Although there are hundreds of species of sphagnum moss across the globe, the habitat is almost always wet and bog-like. In general, it grows best in soil that is acidic; but, it will not grow in areas where the soil or water contains traces of the mineral lime. The leaves are small and grow in short tufts near the stem. It can range in color from green to yellow and even pink, brown or red. It is an excellent growing medium for trees with weak roots and yamadori collected trees but it also has been associated with a potentially lethal fungal infection. Sphagnum moss is the long stranded moss that is often used by gardeners to line hanging baskets and for air-layering plants. A single sphagnum moss plant is very small. It grows packed closely together with many other plants of the same kind and they provide support for each other's tiny stems. This produces a soft, spongy carpet ranging in color from red through to green. Different kinds of sphagnum moss are adapted to different conditions. Some grow underwater in pools and wet hollows. Others can survive in fairly dry conditions. Sphagnum moss acts like a sponge and can stay wet for long

periods. It can soak up more than eight times its own weight in water and will stay wet long after the surrounding ground has dried. Mosses do not produce flowers or seeds. They grow from spores that are produced in fruiting bodies called capsules. In sphagnum, when the spores are ripe, pressure builds up inside the capsule until its lid is blown off, dispersing into the air. Sphagnum moss has excellent water retention properties, however unlike sphagnum peat, in its live form it is able to retain its open structure and so is fast draining and well aerated; perfect for growing bonsai. Less well known is that Sphagnum moss contains high zinc content in the form of a naturally occurring antibiotic called Tropolene. The anaerobic bacteria that cause decay in wood are nullified by the antiseptic properties of Sphagnum. Hence, pure Sphagnum (without the addition of any other organic material) is an ideal medium for reinvigorating weak trees, recently collected trees and trees with root-rot. The antiseptic properties of Sphagnum moss have been known for centuries. In historic times it was used in bandages to soak up blood, there are also accounts of Sphagnum moss being used for the same purpose during the First World War. It should be noted that Sphagnum moss is slightly acidic. Sphagnum moss is said to be a source of a chronic disease known as Sporotrichosis. Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection that usually affects the skin. It is mainly an occupational disease of farmers, gardeners, and horticulturists. Though the fungus that carries Sporotrichosis is found in sphagnum moss, it should be noted that it also occurs and can be transmitted into cuts in human skin via soil, hay, barbed wire, pine needles, thorns (particularly those of the

Rose family such as Rose species and Hawthorn) and other plant materials. It has also been found growing on plant debris in soil and on the bark of trees and shrubs, (wild and cultivated). The threat of Sporotrichosis is certainly not limited to just Sphagnum Moss. (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-sphagnum-moss.htm)

Copper Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu. It is a ductile metal with excellent electrical conductivity, and finds extensive use as an electrical conductor, heat conductor, as a building material, and as a component of various alloys. Copper is an essential nutrient to all high plants and animals. In animals, including humans, it is found primarily in the bloodstream, as a co-factor in various enzymes, and in copper-based pigments. In sufficient amounts, copper can be poisonous and even fatal to both plants and animals During the Roman Empire, copper was principally mined on Cyprus, hence the origin of the name of the metal as Cyprium, metal of Cyprus, later shortened to Cuprum. Copper is insoluble in water (H 2O) as well as in isopropanol, a colorless flammable alcohol used in antifreeze. Copper is a common substance that occurs naturally in the environment and spreads through the environment through natural phenomena. Humans widely use copper. For instance, it is applied in the industries and in agriculture. Copper is used in making coins, in our electronics such as copper wires, electromagnets, in roofing and also in biomedical purposes.

The worlds copper production is still rising. This basically means that more and more copper ends up in the environment. Rivers are depositing sludge on their banks that is contaminated with copper, due to the disposal of coppercontaining wastewater. Copper enters the air, mainly through release during the combustion of fossil fuels. Copper in air will remain there for an eminent period of time, before it settles when it starts to rain. It will then end up mainly in soils. As a result, soils may also contain large quantities of copper after copper from the air has settled. Copper can be released into the environment by both natural sources and human activities. Examples of copper being released to the environment through natural sources are wind-blown dust, decaying vegetation. Forest fires and sea spray. Other examples are mining, metal production, wood production and phosphate fertilizer production. Most copper compounds will settle and be count to either water sediment or soil particles. Soluble copper compounds form the largest threat to human health. Usually water-soluble copper compounds occur in the environment after release through application in agriculture. Copper can interrupt the activity in soils, as it negatively influences the activity of microorganisms and earthworms. The decomposition of organic matter may seriously slow down because of this. Copper can be found in many kinds of food, in drinking water and in air and because of that we absorb eminent quantities of copper each day by eating, drinking and breathing. The absorption of copper is necessary, because copper is a trace element that is essential for human health. Although humans can handle proportionally large concentrations of copper, too much copper can still

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cause eminent health problems. Occupational exposure to copper often occurs. In the work place environment copper contagion can lead to a flu-like condition known as metal fever. This condition will pass after two days and is caused by over sensitivity. Long-term exposure to copper can cause irritation of the nose, mouth and eyes and it causes headaches, stomachaches, dizziness, vomiting and diarrhea. Intentionally high uptakes of copper may cause liver and kidney damage and even death. Copper is not yet tested if it can cause cancer or not. Industrial exposure to copper fumes, dusts, or mists may result in metal fume fever. Chronic copper poisoning results in Wilsons disease, which is characterized by a hepatic cirrhosis, brain damage, demyelization, renal disease, and copper deposition in the cornea. (http://periodic.lanl.gov/elements/29.html)

Lead Lead is a chemical element that has the symbol Pb. It is a soft, heavy, toxic, poor metal; it has a dull luster and is a dense, ductile, very soft, highly malleable, bluish-white metal that has poor electrical conductivity. This true metal is highly resistant to corrosion. Because of this property, it is used to contain corrosive liquids such as sulfuric acid lead which is bluish white when freshly cut but tarnishes to dull gray when exposed to air. Lead is used in building construction, lead-acid batteries, bullets and shot, and is part of solder, pewter

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and fusible alloys. Like mercury, another heavy metal, lead is a potent neurotoxin which accumulates in soft tissues and bone over time. Lead has been used by humans for more than 7000 years because it is widespread, and easy to extract and easy to work with. In the early Bronze Age, lead was used with antimony and arsenic. Alchemists thought that leas was the oldest metal and was associated with the planet Saturn. Leads symbol came from its Latin name which is Plumbum for soft metals. It was originally Plumbum nigrum where Plumbum candidum was tin. Lead is very toxic and lead poisoning was recognized by the ancients. That could be the reason why the use of lead in paint pigments was ended because of danger of lead poisoning, especially to children. Recently, lead use is being further curtailed by the European Unions RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive. Lead may still be found in harmful quantities in stoneware, vinyl (such as that used for tubing and the insulation of electrical cords), and brass manufactured in China. Lead ore (galena) is found commonly in the north-east Wales. The Northeast Wales Orefield was by far the most important source of lead and zinc in Wales and second in national importance only to the North Pennine Orefield. Lead mining dates back to at least Roman times and continued until well into the 20th century. Galena can be found today in the spoil heaps associated with mining activity. Galena is present in steeply-dipping fissure veins and in pipes and is in Mississippi Valley-type lead-zinc-fluorite and copper-dolomite associations. The mineralization occurs in the upper parts of the Loggerheads

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and Cefn Mawr Formations of the Carboniferous Limestone. In 2005, China produced almost one-third of the global mined output of lead, closely followed by Australia. Lead can cause diseases that are deadly. Lead is a poisonous metal that can damage nervous connections especially in young children and cause blood and brain disorders. Long term exposure to lead or its salts (especially soluble salts or the strong oxidant PbO2) can cause nephropathy, and colic-like abdominal pains. Because of this, it is banned to other industrialized countries. It is known to be a contaminant of water. The effects of lead are the same whether it enters the body through breathing or swallowing. Lead can affect almost every organ and system in your body. The main target for lead toxicity is the nervous system, both in adults and children. Long-term exposure of adults can result in decreased performance in some tests that measure functions of the nervous system. It may also cause weakness in fingers, wrists, or ankles. Lead exposure also causes small increases in blood pressure, particularly in middle-aged and older people, and can cause anemia. Exposure to high lead levels can severely damage the brain and kidneys in adults or children and ultimately cause death. In pregnant women, high levels of exposure to lead may cause miscarriage. Highlevel exposure in men can damage the organs responsible for sperm production. Lead is considered to be particularly harmful for womens ability to reproduce. A study was conducted and stated that lead can be carcinogenic though there is not much evidence. Children are more vulnerable to lead poisoning than adults. A child who swallows large amounts of lead may develop blood anemia, severe

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stomachache, muscle weakness, and brain damage. If a child swallows smaller amounts of lead, much less severe effects on blood and brain function may occur. Even at much lower levels of exposure, lead can affect a childs mental and physical growth. (http://periodic.lanl.gov/elements/82.html)

Water Water is the liquid state of the hydrogen-oxygen compound H 20. The ancient philosophers regarded water as a basic element typifying all liquid substances. Scientists did not discard this view until the latter half of the 18 th century. In 1781, a British chemist named Henry Cavendish synthesized water by detonating a mixture of hydrogen and air. However, the results of his experiments were not clearly interpreted until two years later, when the French chemist Antoine Laurent Lavoisier proved that water was not an element but a compound of oxygen and hydrogen, In a scientific paper presented in 1804, the French chemist Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac and the German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt demonstrated jointly that water consisted of two volumes of hydrogen to one of oxygen, as expressed by the present-day formula H 20. (Encarta 2007) Water is the major constituent of living matter. From 50 to 90 percent of the weight of living organisms is water. Protoplasm, the basic material of living cells, consists of a solution in water of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, salts, and similar chemicals. Water acts as a solvent which transports, combines, and

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chemically breaks down substances. Blood in animals and sap in plants consist largely of water and serve to transport food and remove waste material. Water also plays a key role in the metabolic breakdown of such essential molecules as proteins and carbohydrates. This process, called hydrolysis, goes on continually in living cells.

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Chapter 3 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design This study will follow a simple research design. It attempts to improve our water supply by using water lettuce to get rid of copper and lead. This study will include one (1) test which was conducted in the General Santos Hope Christian School Science Laboratory. It is said to find out the effect of Sphagnum moss (Sphagnum flexuosum) in lowering the copper and lead content in water. With the use of Sphagnum moss, there were 3 replications. Data gathered will be analyzed based on experimentation, done after the 7 th day of observation, by means of titration using appropriate reagents.

3.2 Population and Sampling The Sphagnum moss (Sphagnum flexuosum) in the experiment was procured from the proponents farm. The experiment started after it was gathered. The chemicals used such as Copper Sulfate and Lead Nitrate were all obtained from the Science Laboratory of General Santos Hope Christian School. Other laboratory materials such as surgical gloves, alcohol, etc, were all bought from pharmacies in the locality. Laboratory gowns were provided by the proponent. The laboratory glass wares and necessary laboratory equipments used in the study were obtained from the school laboratory, where the experimentation transpired.

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3.3 Materials and Equipments This sub-section presents the raw materials and laboratory equipments to be used in this project Primary Materials 1. Sphagnum Moss (Sphagnum flexuosum) 2. Lead nitrate (PbNO3) 3. Copper sulfate (CuSO4) 5. Potassium permanganate
(KMnO4)

Laboratory Equipments 1. Analytical Balance 2. 600 mL Beakers 3. 250 mL Beakers 4. Water Containers 5. Stirring Rod 6. Titration Tube 7. Iron Clamp 8. Iron Stand 9. Erlenmeyer Flask 10. Spatula 11. Graduated Cylinder

Other Materials and Protective Gears

1. Face mask 2. Laboratory gown 3. Lysol 4. Surgical gloves

4. Distilled Water

3.4 Procedure Flow Chart A flowchart on how the experimental procedures undertaken for the study, Potential of Sphagnum Moss (Sphagnum flexuosum) Against Selected Heavy Metals in Water, is on the next page.

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Gathering of 90 grams of Sphagnum Moss

Preparation of Materials and Glass Wares

Weighing of 3.75 grams of Copper Sulfate

Weighing of 2.4 grams of Lead Nitrate

Measuring of 500 mL Distilled water in each of the 6 water containers

Mixing of Copper Sulfate and Lead Nitrate in different water containers with 3 replications each

Placing of 15 grams of Sphagnum moss in each water container

Observe for 7 days

Titration Test
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3.5 Experimentation and General Procedure This section shows a step-by-step procedure on how the experiment was thoroughly done. It tells us how the procedures were done and what equipments were used. A. Preparation of Materials First, the Sphagnum moss was gathered from the farm of the proponent. Then Copper Sulfate (CuSO4), Lead

nitrate (PbNO3) and glass wares namely, 3 600 mL beakers, and a stirring rod were prepared.

B.

Weighing of Sphagnum moss

An analytical balance was used to weigh 15 grams of sphagnum moss.

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C. Weighing of Heavy Metals and preparation of solvent

An analytical balance was used to weigh 3.75 g of CuSO4 and 2.4 g of Pb(NO3)2. A graduated Cylinder was used to measure 500 mL of distilled water and poured to the 6 water containers.

D. Preparation of Contaminated Water

3.75 g of CuSO4 was then placed in 3 of the 6 water containers namely Cu R1, Cu R2 and Cu R3 for copper while 2.4 g of Pb(NO 3)2 was placed in the 3 other water containers and were labeled Pb R1, Pb R2 and Pb R3.

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E. Applying Moss to the Contaminated Water After preparing the contaminated water and Sphagnum moss, 15 grams of the moss was transferred to each of the containers and was stirred with a stirring rod to evenly distribute the moss. The mixture was then observed for color change for 7 days. F. Titration Test On the 7th day, water was removed from all of the containers and transferred to different water containers. 100 mL of the water from each container will be used for the Titration Test. The water was transferred to an Erlenmeyer flask under a titration tube with Potassium permanganate. To test this, we must add Potassium permanganate to the water until its color becomes pink then record the number of mL of Potassium permanganate used for the replication. Repeat the process with clean flasks for all of the replications for copper and lead.

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Chapter 4 Results and Discussions

4.1 Presentation of Data, Results and Discussion

This chapter presents the data analyzed by the proponents from the samples prepared from the Science Laboratory of General Santos Hope Christian School. In this research, the proponent used Sphagnum moss for study if it can absorb Heavy Metals. The heavy metals that were tested were copper and lead. The metals were mixed with distilled water in 6 water containers, 3 replications for copper, and 3 replications for lead, to represent contaminated water. The copper contaminated samples were made by dissolving 3.75g of copper sulfate in 500 mL of distilled water or 0.05 molar concentrated solution while the lead contaminated water was prepared by dissolving 2.4 g of lead nitrate with 500 mL distilled water or 0.02 molar concentration. These chemicals are from the science laboratory of the experimentation. 15 g of Sphagnum moss was gathered beforehand and then placed on all the samples. After 7 days, the proponent observed that the color of the water changed indicating that there was and effect. The water from each container was removed and was placed in different containers. A titration test was conducted in each replication by using Potassium permanganate to determine the amount of chemicals left in the water or if it is still

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contaminated. This is done by collecting the 100mL of the contaminated water from each container and adding Potassium permanganate to it until the water turned pink. The amount of the chemical used was recorded and was repeated for the other replications. After the data was recorded, the statistics of the results were computed. Table 4.1 Amount of Potassium permanganate used for the Copper Contaminated Water Replication I II III Amount of KMnO4 (mL) 0.4 mL 0.6 mL 0.6 mL Molarity 0.00004 0.00006 0.00006

The table above showed the amount of Potassium permanganate used for the copper contaminated water titration. Result showed a great reduction of copper as revealed in the reduction of molarity of copper solution after the titration.

Table 4.2 Amount of Potassium permanganate used for the Lead Contaminated Water Replication I II III Amount of KMnO4 (mL) 0.6 mL 0.8 mL 0.3 mL Molarity 0.00006 0.00008 0.00003

The table above showed the amount of Potassium permanganate used for the lead contaminated water titration. Result showed a great reduction of copper as revealed in the reduction of molarity of Lead solution after the titration.

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Table 4.3 t-test for Copper contaminated water

v2.12

Test

Performed by

Compare Groups - Independent t-test (equal variances) Copper Groups: Before After Roger Pontejo

Date

11 September 2010

Groups Before After

n 3 3

Mean 0.04700 0.00347

SE 0.000000 0.002267

SD 0.00000 0.00393

Mean difference 95% CI SE

0.04353 0.03724 0.002267

to 0.04983

t statistic DF 2-tailed p

19.21 4.0 <0.0001

The table above shows an independent t-test for the copper contaminated water. This table shows that the alternative hypothesis is accepted. The value of p is less than 0.0001 or .01% and it indicates a very small chance that our alternative hypothesis is rejected at 5% level of significance.

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Table 4.4 t-test for Lead contaminated water

v2.12

Test

Performed by

Compare Groups - Independent t-test (equal variances) Lead Groups: Before After Roger Pontejo

Date

11 September 2010

Groups Before After

n 3 3

Mean 0.01450 0.00113

SE 0.000000 0.000291

SD 0.00000 0.00050

Mean difference 95% CI SE

0.01337 0.01256 0.000291

to 0.01417

t statistic DF 2-tailed p

46.00 4.0 <0.0001

The table above shows an independent t-test for the copper contaminated water. This table shows that the alternative hypothesis is accepted. The value of p is less than 0.0001 or .01% and it indicates a very small chance that our null

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hypothesis is accepted at 5% level of significance therefore our alternative hypothesis is more accepted.

Chapter 5 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

This chapter presents the summary of findings and conclusions made from the study and recommendations given by the researcher.

5.1

Summary of Findings The water reservoirs we have these days are being contaminated with many

different chemicals from either industrial wastes and it may be naturally occurring. These chemicals can therefore be harmful to living things. This study was conducted to test if Sphagnum moss (Sphagnum flexuosum) can absorb the heavy metals used in this project. In conducting this study, the proponents collected some Sphagnum moss and placed it equally upon containers with contaminated waters with Copper and Lead with 3 replications each. After an observation of 7 days, the water in the contaminated water changed and can be concluded that there was an effect. To prove this, water in the containers was removed and placed separate containers to be studied. It was discovered and confirmed that the moss had an effect and greatly reduced the amount of contaminants that was originally present in the water. Though no study was conducted to test if the heavy metals were transferred to the moss, it can be already directly concluded that the moss absorbed it because there could not be another explanation to how the heavy metals were removed from water.

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5.2

Conclusions Based on the experimentation performed, results and information drawn together,

the researcher was able to formulate the following conclusions: 5.2.1. Sphagnum moss was proven to remove copper and lead in water. 5.2.2. Sphagnum moss was effective in adsorbing copper and lead content in water 5.2.3. The proponents determined the change in amount of copper and lead when using Sphagnum moss from the color change of the contaminated water in all replications. 5.3 Recommendations From the findings of the study, it can be observed that there were research gaps. Results can be improved and further benefits can be disclosed with the following recommendations: 5.3.1. People shall cultivate Sphagnum moss as a plant in the surroundings to ensure that water surrounding them shall be free from chemicals such as copper, and lead. 5.3.2. Further research will be conducted to determine the amount of the said chemicals absorbed day by day in the experimentation. 5.3.3. Another study shall be conducted using another kind of moss to test the effects on the said chemicals. 5.3.4. Another experimentation shall be conducted with other contaminants.

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5.3.5. The government will conduct the study to improve the research. 5.3.6. A further study shall be conducted to prove that the moss absorbed the Heavy metals

BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/m/mossph54.html http://containergardening.about.com/od/floweringcontainergarden/ss/Shell Containers_4.htm

http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATSphagnum%20Moss.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphagnum http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-sphagnum-moss.htm http://www.dartmouth.edu/~chemlab/techniques/titration.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distilled_water http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytoremediation http://periodic.lanl.gov/elements/29.html http://periodic.lanl.gov/elements/82.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_metal_(chemistry) http://www.chemicalelements.com/elements/cu.html http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-sphagnum-moss.htm

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