Screening of Indigenous Ornamental Species from Different Plant Families for Pb Accumulation Potential Exposed to Metal Gradient in Spiked Soils

Abstract

Contamination of surface soils with lead (Pb) is a global concern due to the release of hazardous materials containing the metal element. In order to explore ways to remediate contaminated soils with less impact on environment and costs, this study aimed at screening ornamental plant species exposed to Pb gradient in spiked soils for Pb phytoextraction. Twenty-one ornamental plant species that currently grow in Pakistan, were selected to assess their potential for Pb accumulation. Pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the accumulative properties of the different plant species in unspiked control (Pb = 0) and spiked soils with different levels of Pb at 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg Pb kg−1 of soil. Biotranslocation factor (TF), Enrichment factor (EF) and Bioconcentration factor (CF) were calculated to assess the phytoremediation potential of tested plant species after seven weeks of exposure. Out of 21 plant species, Pelargonium hortorum and Mesembryanthemum criniflorum performed better and accumulated more than 1000 mg Pb kg−1 of shoot dry biomass when they were grown in 500, 1000 and 1500 mg Pb kg−1 contaminated soils. Both plants had no significant (P < 0.05) variation in the total dry biomass with increasing soil Pb concentration indicating a high tolerance to Pb. Considering the capacity of Pb accumulation, total dry biomass, TF, EF & CF indices, Pelargonium hortorum and Mesembryanthemum criniflorum could be considered as Pb hyperaccumulators and could have the potential to be used in phytoremediation.