Biomonitoring the genotoxicity of heavy metals/metalloids present in soil contaminated by fly ash from coal-fired thermal power plant using tradescantia pallid

Abstract

In the present work, Tradescantia pallida was used for biomonitoring the heavy metals/metalloids present in the soil contaminated by fly ash originating from coal-fired thermal power plant. Heavy metals/metalloids were estimated in contaminated soil using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS, AA-7000 Shimadzu) for Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd, Mo, Cu, Cr, Co and Ni, and the standard solution was prepared using standard metal solution of Inorganic Ventures. CFPP (concentration factor for plant parts) was calculated for phytoremediation ability of the Tradescantia pallida. In order to study the deleterious effect of heavy metals/metalloids present in the environment, genotoxicity assessment using Trad-MCN bioassay was performed. The study showed that presence of heavy metals/metalloids in soil has the capability for chromosomal aberration. Therefore, it can be concluded from the present study that Tradescantia pallida can be used for biomonitoring heavy metals/metalloids present in contaminated soil and also for the phytoremediation purpose.