Jatropha integerrima, Duranta erecta and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis as Potential Lead Absorbent from Polluted Air in Dense Traffic Area

Abstract

Lead (Pb) is one of the contaminants found in polluted air, especially in the area with dense traffic. Herbaceous plants are potentially used to reduce the Pb content in the polluted air. This study was designed to evaluate the potential of several plants, such as Jatropha integerrima, Duranta erecta and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, as Pb absorbents from polluted air based on Pb accumulation and chlorophyll levels. The lead content was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), while the chlorophyll content was tested using spectrophotometers at wavelengths of 649 nm and 665 nm. Results showed that the three plant species had potential as Pb absorbents from the air. The highest lead content was found from J. integerrima at 1.293 mg/kg, followed by H. rosa-sinensis at 1.232 mg/kg and D. erecta at 0.840 mg/kg. On the other hand, the highest level of leaf chlorophyll content was H. rosa-sinensis at 16.116 mg/kg, followed by D. erecta L. at 12.594 mg/kg and J. integerrima Jacq. of 10.297 mg/kg. No correlation was found between the Pb level and chlorophyll content of the three plants. It can be concluded that the three herbaceous plants have potential as Pb absorbents in the polluted air.