Lupinus microcarpus Growing in Arsenic—Agricultural Soils from Chile: Toxic Effects and It Potential Use as Phytoremediator Plant

Abstract

Arsenic (As) is the most important contaminant of the environment in northern Chile. The purpose of the present work is to study As-toxicity symptoms on Lupino microcarpus (lupine), an annual legume plant that constitutes part of the desert community of the pre-Andean area of the Antofagasta Region, Chile. This plant species is cultivated in As-agricultural soil collected from Chiu Chiu (northern Chile) which is classified as arid soils. Control soil (0 - 20 cm depth) is collected from an area located in the central zone of Chile, which is classified as molli soil. The main physic-chemical characteristics of As-soil and the control soil are determined. Eighteen plastic pots of 1.6 L (fifteen for experimental and three for control) are filled with As-soil and control soil treatments. Two plants are cultivated in each pot and then separated leaves and roots for As-analysis.