Phytoremediation assessment of Euphorbia granulata from 10 remote areas with different local climates and heavy metals composition

Abstract

Phytoremediation technology is considered ecofriendly, economical and effective technique to manage contaminated sites. Identification of plants with better phytoremediation capacity is important. Euphorbia granulata was assessed for the uptake of Pb, Hg, Ni, Cr, Cd, As, Sn, Mo, Ag and Co in natural habitats from geographically remote 10 sites. Plant and representative soil samples were analyzed for heavy metals (HMs). Phytoremediation feasibility was evaluated on the basis of: 1) the average level of each HM by the plant; 2) Bioaccumulation coefficients (BACs); 3) Translocation factor (TF); 4) combinations analysis of BACs and TF for every HM. Tin was not absorbed while Pb, Cr, Cd, As, Ag and Co were accumulated in concentrations lesser than present the soil concentration (BACs < 1). Molybdenum and nickel had equal levels in both plant and soil (BACs = 1). However, Hg was stockpiled in higher concentrations by the plant compared to soil (BACs > 1). Lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic, silver, cobalt, nickel and molybdenum were transferred with TF < 1 while Hg with > 1. The overall results revealed that E. granulata is an efficient Hg accumulator and can be employed for phytoremediation in soils contaminated with Hg.