Phytoextraction of Heavy Metals: Assessing the Potential of Brassica juncea in Heavy Metals (Copper and Cadmium) from Contaminated Soils

• Published in: Asian journal of chemistry 2024-11, Vol.36 (12), p.2961-2966
• Main Authors: Haribabu, T.E., Latha, Srinivasan, Lavanya, G., Rekha, A., Sudhakar, K., Suresh, R., Ali, Z. Ansar, Sudha, P.N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0970-7077; 0975-427X
• DOI: 10.14233/ajchem.2024.32542

This study investigated the phytoremediation potential of Brassica juncea in copper and cadmium contaminated soils. B. juncea, a fast-growing, high-biomass-producing plant, has been shown to tolerate and accumulate heavy metals. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of B. juncea in removing copper and cadmium from contaminated soils and to evaluate the morphophysiological and biochemical responses of the plant to metal stress. Soil samples with varying concentrations of copper and cadmium were prepared and B. juncea was grown in these soils under controlled conditions. Plant growth parameters, metal accumulation in plant tissues and biochemical stress markers were analyzed. The results showed the potential use of B. juncea for the phytoremediation of copper and cadmium contaminated soils. The presence of heavy metals had a direct effect on the biochemical parameters, growth performance, and the antioxidant enzymes of the plant. At the same time, the plant seemed to tolerate the metal stress and accumulate, which helped in the extraction of metals from soils. The current study contributes to the development of sustainable strategies for the remediation of the metal-polluted sites.