Pattern of Lead Accumulation in Two Vegetable Plants Due to EDTA Treatment

Abstract

Phytoextraction and phytostabilization are the most consistent patterns or mechanisms of action of phytoremediation. One of the elements influencing the mechanism of action of heavy metal absorption by plant species is Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA). Therefore, this study aimed to determine the pattern of phytoremediation in water spinach and spinach due to the addition of EDTA in the soil. The treatments tested by factor 1 were water spinach (T1) and spinach (T2), and factor 2 was the concentration of EDTA consisting of 3 levels, 0, 3, and 6 g/polybag. Each treatment was repeated three times on five sample plants. Furthermore, growth evaluation was carried out in the first six days after planting and conducted every 3 days. It was carried out on variables such as changes in plant height, leaves area, total root length, Pb content in the soil, fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, shoot, seeds, and Translocation Factor (TF). The results showed that water spinach and spinach had different mechanisms of action due to the application of EDTA in Pb-contaminated media. Furthermore, water spinach and spinach have a mechanism of phytoextraction and phytostabilization, respectively. Therefore, spinach is safer than water spinach when grown in Pb-polluted land.