Phytoremediation Efficiency of Selected Plants in Lead and Cadmium Contaminated Soil Near a Pulp and Paper Factory in Indonesia

Abstract

This study evaluates the phytoremediation potential of four plant species in lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soils in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia. A factorial randomized block design was employed, involving two factors: (1) two types of contaminated soil and (2) four phytoremediator plants—Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides), Paper flower (Zinnia elegans), Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), and Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata). Each treatment combination was repeated three times. So the total number of observation plots is 24. Key parameters observed included soil characteristics (pH, Pb, and Cd content) at 0–20 cm depth, plant height, and metal absorption efficiency. The soils were found to be alkaline. Based on the results of the study, Vetiver zizanioides plants have the best ability to absorb Pb metal, with an absorption efficiency of 32.02%, while Sansiviera trifasciata plants show the most optimal ability to absorb Cd metal, with an absorption efficiency value of 37.82%. This indicates that each type of hyperaccumulator plant specializes in absorbing specific heavy metals. Thus, the use of hyperaccumulator plants in this study shows great potential as an ecological and sustainable solution to soil pollution by heavy metals. The use of phytoremediation methods with these plants can be an effective, environmentally friendly alternative for improving the quality of contaminated soil.