Removal of lead from contaminated soils by Typha angustifolia

Abstract

A greenhouse study was demonstrated for removal of lead (Pb) from contaminated soil by the narrow - leaved cattail, Typha angustifolia. The plants were grown in sandy loam soil containing various concentrations of Pb(NO3)2(53.3, 106.7, 160, 213.3, and 266.7 mg Pb kg-1soil). Most lead was accumulated in roots and then transported to leaves. In soil contaminated with 266.7 mg kg-1of lead, the plants accumulated 7492.6 mg Pb kg-1dry weight in the roots and 167 mg Pb kg-1dry weight in the leaves. Yet, no growth retardation from lead was detected. T. angustifolia has high potential as a plant to clean up lead contaminated soil due to its vigorous growth, high biomass productivity, and because it is a perennial in nature. Further work is required to study on the iron plaque formation and its role in metal immobilization.