Hydroponic Screening of Fast-growing Tree Species for Lead Phytoremediation Potential

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2017 Oct;99(4):518-523. doi: 10.1007/s00128-017-2157-8. Epub 2017 Aug 20.

Abstract

Using trees as phytoremediators has become a powerful tool to remediate lead from contaminated environments. This study aims to identify potential candidates among fast-growing trees by comparing their ability to tolerate and accumulate Pb. Cuttings from Acacia mangium, Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, and Senna siamea were cultured in 25% modified Hoagland's solutions supplemented with 10, 30, and 50 mg/L Pb for 15 days. Lead concentrations were determined by a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. All species showed high Pb tolerance (over 78%) and low translocation factor (<1) in all treatments. The highest Pb content in roots (>40000 mg/kg) was recorded in A. mangium and E. camaldulensis grown in 50 mg/L Pb solution. Based on high biomass, tolerance index, and Pb content in plants, A. mangium and E. camaldulensis are good candidates for phytoremediation.

Keywords: Bioaccumulation; Metals; Tolerance index; Woody plants.

MeSH terms

  • Acacia / chemistry
  • Acacia / drug effects
  • Acacia / growth & development*
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Biomass
  • Eucalyptus / chemistry
  • Eucalyptus / drug effects
  • Eucalyptus / growth & development*
  • Hydroponics
  • Lead / analysis*
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Plant Roots / chemistry
  • Plant Roots / drug effects
  • Plant Roots / growth & development
  • Soil Pollutants / analysis*
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • Soil Pollutants
  • Lead