Jatropha Curcas for Bioenergy and Bioremediation in Mine Tailing Area in Mogpog, Marinduque, Philippines

Abstract

Various bioremediation strategies has been carried out in an abandoned mined-out area in Mogpog, Marinduque to bring green cover which have been devoid of plants for over 20 years. Jatropha curcas was chosen as the test plant because of its potential as a source of biodiesel. This plant can tolerate a wide range of environment but no studies have been done on mine tailing areas. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the response of J. curcas to lime, compost and mycorrhizal inoculation in mine tailing area in Mogpog, Marinduque, Philippines and to determine heavy metals translocation from root to seed. Results showed that compost improved biomass production, heavier than with lime or mycorrhiza alone. Better growth was obtained when mycorrhizal inoculation was combined with compost and lime. The uninoculated plants had their highest Cu concentration in the stem, Zn in the leaves and Pb in the roots. By contrast, the mycorrhizal plants had their highest Cu, Zn and Pb concentrations in the roots. In conclusion, combination of compost, lime and mycorrhiza greatly improved plant growth, survival and reduced the translocation of heavy metals from the roots to the leaves. No heavy metals were detected in the fruits and seeds, implying that oil from Jatropha seeds is safe alternate source for biodiesel or for bioenergy.