Effectiveness of phytoremediation technologies to clean up of metalloids using three plant species in Iran

Phytoremediation is a potential, innovative, and costeffective
technology for non-destructive remediation of heavy-metal
contaminated soils. A field trial was conducted to evaluate the
phytoremediation efficiencies of three plants and the effects of
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or ammonium addition
[(NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3] for assisting removal of heavy metals (Pb,
Hg, and Cd) from contaminated soil. The tested plants include
Amaranthus retroflexus, Sorghum bicolor, and Lolium perrene. Results
showed that maximum concentration of Pb, Hg, and Cd were detected in
shoots of A. retroflexus, S. bicolor, and L. perrene at high concentrations
in pH¼6.2. The application of EDTA as a chelating agent to soil was the
most efficient to enhance the phytoavailability of Pb, Hg and Cd. The
concentrations of Pb, Hg, and Cd in the shoots of A. retroflexus treated
with EDTA were 57 mg/kg, 14.1 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg, respectively.
Results indicated that among the three plants, A. retroflexus had great
potential in phytoremediation of contaminated soils. Water Environ.
Res., 86, 43 (2014).