Phytotoxicity of wastewater containing lead (Pb) effects Scirpus grossus

Int J Phytoremediation. 2013;15(8):814-26. doi: 10.1080/15226514.2012.736437.

Abstract

Phytoremediation is an environment-friendly and cost-effective method to clean the environment of heavy metal contamination. A prolonged phytotoxicity test was conducted in a single exposure. Scirpus grossus plants were grown in sand to which the diluted Pb (NO3)2 was added, with the variation of concentration were 0, 100, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg/L. It was found that Scirpus grossus plants can tolerate Pb at concentrations of up to 400 mg/L. The withering was observed on day-7 for Pb concentrations of 400 mg/L and above. 100% of the plants withered with a Pb concentration of 600 mg/L on day 65. The Pb concentration in water medium decreased while in plant tissues increased. Adsorption of Pb solution ranged between 2 to 6% for concentrations of 100 to 800 mg/L. The Bioaccumulation Coefficient and Translocation Factor of Scirpus grossus were found greater than 1, indicating that this species is a hyperaccumulator plant.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Cyperaceae / drug effects*
  • Cyperaceae / metabolism
  • Lead / analysis
  • Lead / metabolism
  • Lead / toxicity*
  • Plant Leaves / drug effects
  • Plant Leaves / metabolism
  • Plant Roots / drug effects
  • Plant Roots / metabolism
  • Plant Shoots / drug effects
  • Plant Shoots / metabolism
  • Wastewater / chemistry*
  • Wastewater / toxicity
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / metabolism
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / toxicity*

Substances

  • Waste Water
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Lead