Prosopis juliflora—A green solution to decontaminate heavy metal (Cu and Cd) contaminated soils

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) 2005-09, Vol.60 (10), p.1493-1496
• Main Authors: Senthilkumar, P., Prince, W.SPM, Sivakumar, S., Subbhuraam, C.V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accumulation; Applied sciences; Biodegradation, Environmental; Biological and medical sciences; Biotechnology; Cadmium; Cadmium - analysis; Cadmium - metabolism; Copper; Copper - analysis; Copper - metabolism; Decontamination; Decontamination. Miscellaneous; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Environment and pollution; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects; Miscellaneous; phytoremediation; Plant Roots - chemistry; Plant Roots - metabolism; Plant Shoots - chemistry; Plant Shoots - metabolism; polluted soils; Pollution; Pollution, environment geology; Prosopis - metabolism; Prosopis juliflora; roots; shoots; Soil and sediments pollution; Soil Pollutants - analysis; Soil Pollutants - metabolism; soil pollution; uptake mechanisms
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2005.02.022

Soil and plant samples (root and shoot) of Prosopis juliflora were collected in the vicinity of metal based foundry units in Coimbatore and assessed for their heavy metal content (Cu and Cd) to ascertain the use of P. juliflora as a green solution to decontaminate soils contaminated with Cu and Cd. The results showed that Cu and Cd content was much higher in plant components compared to their extractable level in the soil. Furthermore, there exist a strong correlation between the distance of the sources of industrial units and accumulation of heavy metals in plants. Accumulation of Cd in roots is comparatively higher than that of shoots. However, in case of Cu no such clear trend is seen. Considering the accumulation efficiency and tolerance of P. juliflora to Cd and Cu, this plant can be explored further for the decontamination of metal polluted soils. On the other hand, in view of heavy metal accumulate the practice of providing foliage and pods as fodder for live stock should be avoided.