Phytoremediation of Lead Contaminated Soils using Cordyline fruicosa (L)

Abstract

Phytoremediation is an eco-friendly and low cost potential strategy for cleaning up of heavy metals from contaminated soils. Selection of promising plant is an important approach for successful phytoremediation. In this study the role of Cordyline fruicosa (L) plants as a potential phytoremediator to soils contaminated with lead (Pb) was investigated. Pot culture experiments using Cordyline fruicosa (L) with different level of lead 250, 500 and 750 mg Pb kg-1 soil. The growth parameter biomass root and leaf, Pb accumulation in plant and photosynthetic pigment content were measured after 40 days. The results showed that the increase lead concentrations caused a reduction in most growth parameter and photosynthetic pigment content. On the other hand the lead accumulation in root and leaf was increased by increasing lead concentrations.