COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNANTHERA PHILOXEROIDES AND HYGROPHILA SCHULLI IN LEAD PHYTOEXTRACTION FROM SOIL

Abstract

The present study of phytoextraction of Pb from soil by macrophytes was performed. Two emergent macrophytes Alternanthera philoxeroides and Hygrophila schulli were used to remove Pb during 2 months experiment. Dry biomass of plant and concentration of Pb were measured from different plants parts. Dry biomass of plants was decreased with increase of Pb concentration in soil in which Alternanthera philoxeroides was more affected. Root accumulated higher metal concentrations for the macrophytes than shoots thus Transfer Factor (root: stem and leaves) clearly revealed that low transportation of Pb from root to stem and leaves however in low concentration of Pb in soil Alternanthera philoxeroides showed more transfer rate. The results indicate that Hygrophila schulli showed much greater tolerance and extraction of metal though the uptake was low. The results showed that Hygrophila schulli can be more efficient for Pb phytoextraction but could not be useful in soil treatments for removal of Pb.