Study on the effect of lead (Pb) content in soil on the growth and lead (Pb) absorption of Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides L.)

Abstract

Treatment of heavy metal pollution in soil by a biological method is currently being studied and widely applied in Vietnam. This study concentrated on the impact of lead (Pb) on the growth of Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides L.), and its capacity for lead absorption with the aim of removing them from the soil areas used for orange cultivation. Results conducted from the study showed that Vetiver grass could be grown in Pb-contaminated soil. With Pb content in soil of about 2500 mg/kg, Vetiver grass of 3 months old (from planting time) was recorded to accumulate the highest quantity of lead in its leaves and roots (42.91±1.27 and 865.92±17.67 mg/kg, respectively), resulting in the best ability in term of Pb contaminated removal from the soil (14.23±1.23mg). As a result, the relatively high lead accumulation of Vetiver grass mainly root system, was also reported.