Phytoremediation of Copper and Nickel Contaminated Soil Using Eleusine indica on Soil Properties

Abstract

The effects of Eleusine indica phytoremediation on the soil properties of Copper and Nickel contaminated soil samples were investigated using standard techniques. Soil sample and seeds of E. inidca were collected from a farmland in Obe, Nkanu West L.G.A of Enugu State. 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% potted treatments of Copper and Nickel contaminated soil were made for three samples (initial sample, sample without plant and sample with plant). The plant showed BAF and TF greater than 1. The Soil samples after the plant was harvested were subjected to soil analysis tests (Metal determination, pH, Soil moisture content, total organic carbon, and cation exchange capacity). The results from the study revealed that soil samples with plant showed a lower pH level within the range of 6.50 to 7.80 and higher percentage moisture content for both Cu and Ni contaminated soil samples, of which 1% treatment showed the highest percentage moisture of 0.679% for Cu contamination and 3.16% for Ni contamination. Heavy metal contamination of soil reduces its total organic carbon and increases its cation exchange capacity. Eleusine indica is a hyperaccumulator, its root stores more heavy metals and thus suitable for phytoremediation.