Abstract:
Cadmium (Cd) is potentially toxic heavy metal that enters the food. Cadmium (Cd) pollution around the world is a serious issue demanding acceptable solutions, one of which is phytoremediation that is both cost-effective and eco-friendly. This study evaluated the potential of 23 plant species growing on contaminated sites. Phytoremediation has been used to remediate metal-contaminated site at Koh-e-Noor Textile Mills, Rawalpindi. Plant root, shoot and the soil samples were collected and analyzed for selected metal concentration values. To evaluate the potential of plant species for phytoremediation: Bioconcentration Factor (BCF), Biological Accumulation Coefficient (BAC) and Biological Transfer Coefficient (BTC) were calculated. The concentration of Cd in soils ranges from 1.5 to 2.7 mg/kg, The concentration of Cd in shoots from 0.2 to 6.2 mg/kg. The concentration of Cd in roots from 0.1-9.0 mg/kg. Among the plants, Achyranthus asper was the most efficient in accumulating Cd in its shoots (BTC= 37.0). Considering the BAC values 17 species for Cd possessed the characteristics of hyperaccumulator. None of the plant species was found as hyperaccumulator; however plants with high BCF (metal concentration ratio of plant root to soil) and low BTC (metal concentration ratio of plants shoots to roots) have the potential for phytostabilization and phytoextraction. The results of this study can be used for management and decontamination of soils with Cadmium (Cd) using plant species having with phytoremediation potential/characteristics.
Page(s):
197-203
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Biologia, Volume: 59, Issue: 2, Year: 2013