Phytoremediation of Lead Contaminated Soil Using Brassica Juncea

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Presenter(s)(s)

Mathangi Kurup

Abstract or Description

Heavy metal toxicity has become increasingly concerning for humans, animals, and environments alike. Although there are several remediation methodologies regarding metalloid removal, most are expensive, can be injurious to health, and some even cause secondary pollution. Phytoremediation is a relatively new plant-based approach to remediating hazardous contaminants in the environment using plant species called hyperaccumulators. The objective of this experiment is to prove the efficiency of phytoremediation using the hyperaccumulating plant, brassica juncea (indian mustard), as a method of removing Pb (lead) from soil. Brassica juncea seeds were grown in 4 soil treatments of Pb; 400 ppm (parts per million), 800 ppm, 1200 ppm, and 0 ppm (control). This study was observed for 5 weeks under a controlled environment with light and 35 ml of water twice a day. At the end of the 5 weeks, 5-gram soil samples of Pb-treatments were sent in sandwich bags, to EHS Laboratories VA, for testing. The lab results confirmed that the brassica juncea plant, whilst maintaining good health, had the ability to phytoremediate efficiently and could be used in restoring soil polluted with Pb. The plants had accumulated about 91.08% of Pb in the 400 ppm treatment and 59.6% in the 800 ppm treatment. While 1200 ppm treatment had data irregularities, the results displayed a positive accumulation trend. Overall, the resultant trend clearly indicated that phytoremediation using brassica juncea is effective in remediating Pb-contaminated soil. In conclusion, phytoremediation is an economically viable, sustainable, and environment-friendly solution to remediate metalloid contamination.