Phytoremediation of heavy metals using acacia mangium in rahman hydraulic tin (RHT) tailings, Klian Intan, Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysia was once a renowned in the tin mining sector and formed the backbone of the country’s economy. Due to over exploitation to feed the growing steel industry, most of the resources have been exhausted and these areas are left abandoned. Some suggest planting agricultural crops on these lands but a major concern is the presence of large amounts of heavy metals that are potentially toxic such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As).1 which are detrimental to human health when occurs beyond permissible amounts.2 A more feasible option would be to establish forest stands including Acacia mangium mainly because of its notable track record as a Phytoremediation. The Acacias have the potential to rehabilitate the soil through absorption and storage of heavy metals in its leaves, shoots and roots.3 and even used in treating sewage sludge soil to absorb large amounts of zinc (Zn), Pb, copper (Cu), Cd and chromium (Cr).4 Phytoremediation is a process that utilizes plants to filter and remove contaminants through biological, physical and chemical activities initiated by the plant. Phytoremediators act as filters by first absorbing contaminants, degrading them and stabilizing the concentrations of contaminants in soil through plant uptake. This study was initiated to determine the amount of heavy metal uptake and translocation to harvestable parts as well as to quantify the concentration of heavy metal before and after planting Acacias.