Evaluation of Jelutong ('Dyera cotulata') as a phytoremediator to uptake copper (Cu) from contaminated soils

• Published in: Australian Journal of Crop Science Vol. 6; no. 2; pp. 369 - 374
• Main Authors: Majid, Nik M, Islam, M M, Rauf, Redzuan Abdul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lismore, N.S.W Southern Cross Publishers 01.02.2012
• Subjects: Agricultural land; Analysis of variance; Copper; Crops; Heavy metals; Phytoremediation; Plant translocation; Seedlings; Soil; Soil contamination; Soil pollution; Translocation; Australia
• ISSN: 1835-2693

Soil pollutants including are being mixed with agricultural soils and water. The potential accumulation of heavy metals in human and animal body is dangerous and causes several detrimental effects and diseases. An experiment was conducted in the glasshouse to evaluate the potential of Dyera costulata as a phytoremediator to absorb copper (Cu) from contaminated soils. Dyera costulata seedlings were planted in the growth media (soil + different levels of copper). The different levels of Cu were: T0 (control, soil), T1 (50 ppm Cu), T2 (100 ppm Cu), T3 (200 ppm Cu), T4 (300 ppm Cu) and T5 (400 ppm Cu). The highest growth performance such as basal diameter, height and number of leaves and the highest biomass were found in T2. The highest accumulation of Cu (89.97 ppm) was recorded in T5. Among the plant parts, roots showed the highest concentration of copper. Dyera costulata showed a high translocation factor (TF) value in soil at low to medium Cu concentrations as it was able to tolerate and accumulate high concentrations of Cu. The roots of Dyera costulata were the main part of plant that absorbed copper in contaminated soils. This species can be an efficient phytoremediator for soils contaminated with copper.