Heavy metal uptake and translocation by Semuloh (Fagopyrum dibotrys) from sawdust sludge contaminated soil

M. M. Islam, N. Enanee, N. M. Majid

Abstract: Heavy metal pollution to the soil environment has become a major source of concern and has posed serious health problems in many developed countries. A glass house experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of Fagopyrum dibotrys to absorb heavy metals from sawdust-contaminated soil. Fagopyrum dibotrys seedlings were planted on six different growth media (soil+sawdust) comprising: 100% soil, 20% sawdust + 80% soil, 40% sawdust +60% soil, 60% sawdust +40% soil, 80% sawdust +20% soil and 100% sawdust. The maximum height, basal diameter and number of leaves were found in 80% sawdust +20% soils. Copper, iron and zinc were highly concentrated in the roots, lead in the stems and roots, while aluminum was concentrated in both stems and leaves. Fagopyrum dibotrys seems to have potential to absorb sufficient amounts of Fe, Al, Pb and Zn in the stems, leaves and roots. This species showed high translocation factor (TF) in the contaminated soil and was able to tolerate and accumulate heavy metals. This species therefore, can be considered as a potential phytoremediator.

Keywords: Fagopyrum dibotrys; Heavy metal accumulation; phytoremediation; sawdust sludge; translocation

Date published: 2019-08-22