Uptake of potentially toxic elements by four plant species suitable for phytoremediation of Turin urban soils

Abstract

This study investigated the concentrations of 22 elements in two Turin urban soils located in the city center (Campana Street garden (CA) and in a peripheral area (Nobile Park (NOB). The former was found contaminated by Pb, Zn, Ba, Cr and Ni and, to a lower degree, by As, Co, Cu and Cd, while the latter showed high concentrations of Co, Cr and Ni. The nature of Cr, Ni and Co in both sites is mainly geogenic, whereas the high content of Pb, Zn, Ba, As, Cu and Cd in the CA soil is probably due to exposure to atmospheric deposition linked to emissions from motor vehicles, domestic and industrial burning of fossil fuels and industrial emissions. We evaluated the uptake of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) by four plant species suitable for phytoremediation (Brassica juncea, Helianthus annuus, Zea mays and Pteris vittata) in controlled conditions in CA and NOB soils in order to assess their efficiency in the absorption of PTEs and suitability to restore the CA site. Results highlighted a different uptake ability of the plants according to the considered element; for example, Brassica juncea demonstrated a great capability in cadmium uptake. The effect of a soil improver, derived from the composting of green and organic waste, on absorption efficiency was also studied and it altered uptake preferences of specific elements by the tested plant species, thus suggesting that its use has to be evaluated according to the target.