A study on degradation of heavy metals in crude oil-contaminated soil using Cyperus rotundus

Abstract

Study on degradation of heavy metals was carried out in crude oil-contaminated soil over a period of one year by using Cyperus rotundus as a candidate species. The study revealed significant (p < 0.05) degradation of some heavy metals in soil and accumulation of certain heavy metals in roots and shoots during the study period. The metals that showed highest degradation were Lead (43.8 %), Mn (27 %), and Cd (31.3 %). Fe, Zn, and Cu were found to be least degraded. Analysis of roots showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) accumulation of Pb (3.5 ± 0.5 mg kg-1) followed by Fe, Cu, Pb, Cd, and Cu. Pb (2.5 ± 0.5) was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) highest accumulated in shoot followed by Fe, Cr, Pb, Cd, and Cu. Therefore, it can be concluded that C. rotundus can significantly degrade and accumulate Pb, and so, it can be utilized for phytoremediation of Pb-contaminated soil.