Phytoremediation potential of native plants: Biomonitoring approach in contaminated soils

Abstract

Phytoremediation has been used to remediate contaminated site. This study aims to investigate the potential of the selected native plants to accumulate and tolerate chemical pollutants. Two sites were selected in Southern Tunisia lands (Gabès), i) Gannouch located near the chemical industrial complex and ii) Zerkineis around 35 kilometres far from the industrial activities. Soil and plants were sampled and analysed for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and fluorine (F) concentrations. The native plants were Bassia indica and Chenopodium album, with no obvious morphological toxic symptoms. Results indicated that the upper soil layers were alkaline and salt affected with low organic matter content. The highest levels of fluoride and heavy metal were found in Ghannouch. The contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and F in the roots, stem and leaves of the native plants exceed the normal ranges and the phytotoxic level. Bioconcentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF), and biological accumulation factor (BAF) were determined for each element. Based on these factors the selected plants were classified as excluders, indicators, and accumulators for each element. The native plants, studied herein, seems to have significant potential for phytoremediation, thus they may be used as biomonitors in contaminated soils. Bassia indica identified as Cd, Cu and Pb accumulator, could be an excellent candidate for phytoextraction and phyto stabilization because of its F excluder performance.

Native plant species growing on the abandoned Zaida lead/zinc mine site in Morocco: Phytoremediation potential for biomonitoring perspective

“…Metal(loid)s mobility and bioavailability are closely associated with the soil’s physicochemical properties [ 9 ]. The physicochemical parameters of soil samples collected from the abandoned mining site of Zaida were assessed.…”

“…Midhat, Ouazzani [15] identified several metallophyte plants at various Pb/Zn mining sites in Morocco and demonstrated their potential for phytoremediation. Similar studies were conducted in Tunisia [9], China [1], and India [20]. These studies involve the identification of species and determination of their accumulation capacities using phytoremediation parameters such as Biological Accumulation Concentration (BAC), Biological Concentration Factor (BCF), and Translocation Factor (TF).…”

“…The presence of these metal(loid) contaminants adversely affects human health as they enter the food chain [5]. Several studies have highlighted the toxicity of PTEs that are potentially dangerous to human health and can cause cancers, hematological and cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, hypoglycemia, and renal diseases [6][7][8][9]. Additionally, they contribute to the deterioration of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems as well as the loss of microbial diversity [10].…”

“…Additionally, they contribute to the deterioration of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems as well as the loss of microbial diversity [ 10 ]. Research has identified over 5 million sites worldwide contaminated by heavy metals and metalloids, generating a global economic cost exceeding 10 billion US dollars annually [ 9 ]. In the Moroccan context, over 200 abandoned mining sites, accompanied by tons of contaminated waste left without treatment or rehabilitation, pose serious environmental problems [ 11 ].…”

Impact on Food of Uranium and Heavy Metals Mining Activities

“…The absorption capacity of metals from the air by the leaves is different [32,33]. This depends on air humidity (high humidity favors foliar absorption: Zn and Cu are faster foliar absorbed than Pb, which is more adsorbed on the surface of the leaves) on pH (this factor being very important for wet penetrations), by the state of oxidation, etc.…”