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Related Experiment Video

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Two-Dimensional Visualization and Quantification of Labile, Inorganic Plant Nutrients and Contaminants in Soil

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Published on: September 1, 2020

Trace element phytoextraction from contaminated soil: a case study under Mediterranean climate.

Werther Guidi Nissim¹, Emily Palm², Stefano Mancuso²

¹Department of Agrifood Production and Environmental Sciences (DISPAA), University of Florence, Viale delle Idee 30, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. werther.guidinissim@unifi.it.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research International

|January 18, 2018

Summary

This study shows poplar, willow, hemp, and alfalfa can phytoextract trace elements from contaminated soil in hot-arid climates. Poplar and willow excelled in zinc and copper removal, while hemp was best for lead.

Keywords:

Brownfield Heavy metal Phytomanagement Phytoremediation Populus Salix

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Plant Biology
Soil Science

Background:

Trace element (TE) contamination poses environmental risks.
Phytoextraction using plants is a sustainable remediation strategy.
Mediterranean hot-arid climates present unique challenges for plant-based remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the efficacy of poplar, willow, hemp, and alfalfa for phytoextraction of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn.
To assess plant performance and TE uptake under hot-arid Mediterranean conditions.
To determine the phytoextraction rate based on biomass yield and TE accumulation.

Main Methods:

Field study over two years on moderately TE-contaminated soil.
Assessment of plant growth, physiological parameters, and TE uptake in aboveground tissues.
Calculation of phytoextraction rates considering biomass, TE uptake, and translocation.

Main Results:

Alfalfa significantly reduced extractable Ni and Zn; hemp reduced Cd and Pb.
Poplar reduced Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn; willow significantly reduced Zn.
Poplar and willow showed high Zn and Cu accumulation; hemp demonstrated high Pb phytoextraction potential.

Conclusions:

Plant species vary in their phytoextraction capabilities for different trace elements.
Biomass yield, extractable TE concentration, and translocation factor positively correlate with phytoextraction rates.
Phytoextraction is a viable option for managing TE-contaminated soils in arid Mediterranean regions.