Abstract
Phytoextraction of mercury-contaminated soils is a new strategy that consists of using the higher plants to make the soil contaminant nontoxic. The main problem that occurs during the process is the low solubility and bioavailability of mercury in soil. Therefore, some soil amendments can be used to increase the efficiency of the Hg phytoextraction process. The aim of the investigation was to use the commercial compost from municipal green wastes to increase the efficiency of phytoextraction of mercury-contaminated soil by Lepidium sativum L. plants and determine the leaching of Hg after compost amendment. The result of the study showed that Hg can be accumulated by L. sativum L. The application of compost increased both the accumulation by whole plant and translocation of Hg to shoots. Compost did not affect the plant biomass and its biometric parameters. Application of compost to the soil decreased the leaching of mercury in both acidic and neutral solutions regardless of growing medium composition and time of analysis. Due to Hg accumulation and translocation as well as its potential leaching in acidic and neutral solution, compost can be recommended as a soil amendment during the phytoextraction of mercury-contaminated soil.
Highlights
Mercury is a highly toxic contaminant that can be found in the environment
The plant biomass obtained after cultivation in the growing medium— soil/compost 4/1— was over 10 % higher compared to plants cultivated in polluted soil without compost amendment, and the increase of shoot biomass was observed. These results enabled the statement that L. sativum L. showed a high tolerance to mercury during the phytoextraction assisted by compost
This study has found that L. sativum L. has the capacity to accumulate Hg from contaminated soil
Summary
Mercury is a highly toxic contaminant that can be found in the environment. Its toxicity for plants is influenced by Hg species present in soil, which is a function of many soil factors that include physicochemical soil properties, such as soil pH, texture, organic matter, clay contents, cation exchange capacity, and redox potential. Initial Hg concentration in soil solution can affect its toxicity and availability to plants (Planquart et al 1999; Businelli et al 2009). The concentration of Hg that enters the environment from the natural source has remained the same over the years, the increasing concentration of this element is still observed. Mercury enters the environment mostly in gaseous form In this form, Hg can be transported at high distances and deposited into the soil contributing to its contamination. There is an actual danger for all living organisms including human (Alloway 1995)
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