The capacity of Plectranthus sp. to perform phytoremediation on heavy metal mercury (Hg) in the tailing of gold processing industries

Abstract

Sludge (tailing), a waste product of the amalgamation process used in the mining of gold, contains a high concentration of the heavy metal mercury (Hg). It is well known that mercury builds up in large quantities in Plectranthus sp. herbaceous plants in the Pancurendang Village Small-Scale Gold Mining area. The study intends to: 1) quantify the amounts of mercury present in plant organs and media tailing during phytoremediation treatment; 2) examine the mechanisms and capacities of plant phytoremediation using values of the Biological Accumulation Coefficient (BAC), Biological Concentration Factor (BCF), and Translocation Factor (TF); and 3) determine the impact of percentage variations in tailing and time on Plectranthus sp.’s capacity to accumulate mercury. On a lab scale, phytoremediation of tailings is done with concentrations of 0%, 30%, 50%, and 100%. Planting medium is combined with dried tailings. Pots are used for phytoremediation, and the residence times are 10, 20, and 30 days. With the use of a mercury analyzer, the amount of mercury present in plant media, roots, and shoots is determined. Using the BAC, BCF, and TF values, the mathematical calculation of phytoremediation ability is performed. Hg content ranged from 1.82 to 16.23 ppm in shoots and 5.15 to 37.19 ppm in roots. Throughout the course of treatment, the tailings Hg concentration varied between 13.18 and 220.05 ppm. Plectranthus sp. is categorized as a medium accumulator with a phytoextraction mechanism, according to the analysis’s findings. Hg phytomining is possible with Plectranthus sp., the TF value is 2.38. Within 10 days, Plectranthus sp. most effectively accumulates 50% Hg in tailings.