Chapter 4
This chapter includes the results and interpretations of the study after the rhizofiltration of copper from synthetic wastewater using Heartleaf Philodendron. The main objective of this study is to determine the amount of copper absorbed by P. hederaceum and the amount of copper left in the aqueous solution. One-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD Post Hoc Test were used to analyze the data.
overview
During the data collection period of the study, the researchers were able to conduct the research methodology, with some modifications to the procedures due to unforeseen factors. One of the main changes was adjusting the pH level range. Due to a lack of oversight, the researchers had to test the pH level of the synthetic wastewater on the first day, which required removing the plants from the container temporarily. According to Rhode (2023), the Philodendron genus thrives in a pH level ranging from 5.0-6.0, while Mayers (2023) states that keeping the P. hederaceum at a 5.5-6.0 range is effective for its growth. The researchers have decided to adjust the range, as upon checking, most of the containers had a pH level within this scope.
Another modification that the researchers made was the time variation, due to several scheduling problems that the group encountered. Although the group initially based their time variation on Swain et. al (2014)’s study, the given interval of days seemed to be based on arbitrary reasoning, rather than a scientific basis. The researchers modified the time variation on the same grounds, other than ensuring that there would be enough days in between, that would display plausible differences in the plant’s absorption.
Lastly, the group also encountered some setbacks in the acclimatization process, due to the container used for the procedure causing some of the water to drain between the set days. This was remedied by taping the part of the container that caused the leak. Moreover, a delay in schedule increased the number of set days for acclimatization — however, since the plant was only acclimatized in water, it is possible that there are no side effects that may cause change to the results of the study. According to PlantIndex (n.d.), one can efficiently grow Philodendrons in water by using chlorine-free water and replacing it when needed, keeping it at room temperature and in bright, indirect sunlight, cleaning the container, and other measures.
