This study investigates the possibilities of using Lagenaria vulgaris biomass as a biosorbent for removal of heavy metals from wastewater and natural water. The experiments were carried out with model solutions of Pb2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+, in batch system. The effects of contact time, temperature, initial metal concentration and adsorbent doses, on the adsorption of heavy metals have been studied. Results show that biosorbent based on Lagenaria vulgaris represent efficient and low-cost means for pretreatment of heavy metals contaminated waters.

Aquatic macrophytes are exceptional accumulations of heavy metals and they are very important in phytoremediation of the pollutants. The aim of the survey was to show according to content of heavy metals in aquatic macrophytes DTD (Danube-Tisza-Danube) canal complex, at localities under great human influence indicate the situation of chemical contamination these localities and to define test species, actually the ones that have the greatest accumulation. Plant material was prepared according to the Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater of the American Health Association. Analysis of heavy metals in the plant tissue samples was done by standard methods using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The best accumulator of majority of heavy metals is Ceratophyllum demersum. The results show that mentioned species can be used for removal of heavy metals from water, what means that it has the ability of phytoremediation of pollutants.

Investigation in this study should indicate to importance of aquatic macrophytes in accumulation of toxic metals in aquatic ecosystems and control of their pollution, as well as to indicate which plants are well hyperaccumulators and test species for remediation, in order of protection, regeneration and conservation of the Gruza lake as reservoir that is important for water supply and as particular natural ecosystem.

The contents of heavy metals (Mn, Pb, and Cd) in water, sediments and shoots of emersed plants Phragmites communis, Typha latifolia and Typha angustifolia in the area of Bardaca fish pond were analyzed. Species Typha latifolia has shown the best ability for the bioaccumulation of heavy metals tested. Therefore, this species could be recommended as the phytoremediator of these pollutants from polluted waters. The results of this study indicate that the accumulation of tested elements in the water, and their availability to plants are still far from the critical level which may cause disturbance of balans in the Bardaca ecosystem.