Assessment of Koelreuteria paniculata Seedling for Phytroremediation of Pyrene-Contaminated Soils

Abstract

Phytoremediation is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly technology using plants for the cleanup of both inorganic and organic contaminated sites. In this study, a pot culture experiment has been conducted for 180 days in a greenhouse to examine the capability of Koelreuteria paniculata on pyrene (Pyr) dissipation in contaminated soil. Three treatments were employed and they were: (1) polluted soil with K. paniculata fine roots addition (T1), (2) polluted soil with planted seedlings (T2), and (3) polluted soil (C). Results showed Pyr concentration in soils was reduced by 21.4, 36.2, and 86.4% by natural losses, fine roots addition, and planted K. paniculata treatments, respectively, meaning plants substantially enhanced the dissipation of Pyr from soil. Cultivated K. paniculata seedlings significantly increased soil total nitrogen (TN), total organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and microbial biomass carbon, but not total phosphorus, when compared to the control. The removal efficiency of Pyr was lower in the adding of fine roots treatment than in the planted K. paniculata treatment. The principal component analysis indicated the promotional dissipation of Pyr in soil by planted K. paniculata was likely attributed to increased microbial quantity and activity, DOC, and TN content in the rhizosphere. Our results suggest that K. paniculata is a suitable plant species used in phytoremediation for Pyr-contaminated soils and the efficiency on the dissipation of Pyr is considerably enhanced using living plants than adding dead organic matters. The study provided a reference for the application of K. paniculata in the remediation of Pyr-contaminated soil.