Lead phytoremediation potential of hydroponically cultivated crop plants

Abstract

Some plants can be used for phytoextraction in order to remediate lead (Pb) heavy metal-contaminated soils. This study was conducted to investigate the Pb phytoextraction and biomass production potentials of Meriç (sunflower), Trailblazer (switchgrass) and Remzibey-05 (safflower) varieties in hydroponic cultures. Three different plant varieties were tested in Hoagland solution supplemented by 0, 25, 50, 100, 150 mg/kg Pb concentrations. The obtained results showed that these plants could phytoextract Pb heavy metal, the ability of accumulation differed with varieties and concentrations of heavy metal. Meriç's and Remzibey-05's root and shoot biomass were less affected from increasing Pb concentrations than those of Trailblazer's were. When compared to other varieties however, Trailblazer absorbed Pb through its roots more effectively. BCF (bioconcentration factor) and TF (translocation factor) values that were important in accumulation and translocation of heavy metals showed differences among varieties. While high BCF values were recorded for Trailblazer, higher TF values were recorded for Meriç and Remzibey-05 than they were for Trailblazer. These results led that Meriç and Remzibey-05 varieties are good candidates for phytoextraction, because of their high biomass and TF values. Trailblazer might be also utilized for the purpose of phytostabilization because it has both high root Pb content and low TF value.