SCREENING OF IRON- AND ZINC-ENRICHED YEAST STRAIN AND OPTIMIZATION OF CULTIVATION CONDITIONS

Saccharomyces cerevisiae LN-17 was selected from 26 kinds of primary yeast strains that belong to different genera and species. The iron- and zinc-enriched capability of strain LN-17 was higher than the others. The highest iron and zinc contents of the strain were obtained when the strain grew up under the following conditions: The strain was incubated (5%, v/v) in 50 mL wort medium (pH 6.0) with 100 mg/L Fe ion and 120 mg/L Zn ion. The medium was loaded into a 250-mL Erlenmeyer flask and shaken in a rotary shaker (200 rpm) at 30°C for 60 h. Ferrous sulfate and zinc sulfate were chosen as the source of Fe and Zn. The Fe and Zn contents of the dry cells were determined by atomic absorption spectrum analysis. Under the optimized cultivation conditions, the Fe and Zn contents reached 7.854 mg/g dry cells and 4.976 mg/g dry cells.     

Remediation of AMD Contaminated Soil by Two Types of Reeds

Acid mine drainage (AMD) adversely impacts many regions in the world. The interactions among citric acid (CA), rhizosphere bacteria and metal uptake in different types of Phragmites australis cultured in spiked AMD contaminated soil were investigated. Compared with non-contaminated reeds cultured under the same conditions, wild reeds harvested from a contaminated site accumulated more metals into tissues. Rhizosphere iron oxidizing bacteria (Fe(II)OB) enhanced the development of Fe plaque but had no significant impact on the formation of Mn and Al plaque on the root surface of either reeds. Plaque may restrain the accumulation of Fe and Mn into tissues of reeds. CA inhibited the growth of Fe(II)OB, reduced the formation of metal plaque and significantly elevated metal accumulations into both underground and aboveground biomass of reeds. The concentrations of Fe, Al and Mn were higher in belowground organs than aboveground tissues. The roots contained 0.28 ± 0.01 mg/g Mn, 3.09 ± 0.51 mg/g Al, 94.47 ± 5.75 mg/g Fe, while the stems accumulated 0.19 ± 0.01 mg/g Mn, 1.34 ± 0.02 mg/g Al, 10.32 ± 0.60 mg/g Fe in wild reeds cultured in soil added with 33,616 ppm CA. Further field investigations may be required to study the effect of CA to enhance phytoremediation of metals from real AMD contaminated sites.     

Combined Use of Zero Valent Iron and Magnetic Separation for ex-situ Removal of Bioavailable Metals from Contaminated Sediments

Sandy and organic sediments characterized by different heavy metal binding capacities (HMBC), and contaminated with Copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), or zinc (Zn) were treated ex-situ using a remediation approach consisting of (i) sorption onto oxidized zero-valent iron (ZVI) surfaces and (ii) retrieval of formed metal-ZVI complexes from sediment matrices by magnetic separation. The research focused on the reduction/elimination of the bioavailable fractions of metals, and the efficiency of the method assessed by a combination of a bacterial (MetPLATE?) and an invertebrate (the 48-h Ceriodaphnia dubia acute toxicity test) based bioassays. In sandy sediments, characterized by low HMBC (20.8, 23.5, and 39.6 for Hg, Cu, and Zn, respectively), the determined toxicity units (TU) prior to sediment treatment increased in the order Hg < Cu < Zn, regardless of the bioassay used. The use of ZVI and magnetic separation in these sandy sediments resulted in up to 97% TU reduction. In organic-rich sediments, the affinity of the studied metals for organic matter (OM) resulted in much higher HMBC values (83.9, 108.3, and 136.2 for Cu, Zn, and Hg, respectively) and much lower TU values before sediment treatment with ZVI. The use of MetPLATE? on non-treated sediments resulted in TU values increasing in the order Hg < Cu < Zn, with TU removal efficiencies ranging from 83% to 97% after treatment. The TU values measured with the 48-h C. dubia assay were higher than those obtained with MetPLATE?, and in this case, sediments contaminated with Zn exhibited the lowest percentage of TU removal, with only 81.7% and 80.5% TU removal for sediments with contamination levels of 400 and 800 mg/kg, respectively. For organic sediments contaminated with Cu and Hg, the TU removal exceeded 95%. Overall, this study showed that the proposed remediation method has great potentials with regard to the elimination of the bioavailable metal fractions in contaminated sediments.     

The chelating effect of citric acid,oxalic acid,amino acids and Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria on phytoremediation of Cu,Zn, and Cr from soil using Suaeda vera

Phytoextraction is a green technique for the removal of soil contaminants by plants uptake with the subsequent elimination of the generated biomass. The halophytic plant Suaeda vera Forssk. ex J.F.Gmel. is an native Mediterranean species able to tolerate and accumulate salts and heavy metals in their tissues. The objective of this study was to explore the potential use of S. vera for soil metal phytoextraction and to assess the impact of different chelating agents such as natural organic acids (oxalic acid [OA], citric acid [CA]), amino acids (AA) and Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria (PFB) on the metal uptake and translocation. After 12 months, the highest accumulation of Cu was observed in the root/stem of PFB plots (17.62/8.19 mg/kg), in the root/stem of CA plots for Zn (31.16/23.52 mg/kg) and in the root of OA plots for Cr (10.53 mg/kg). The highest accumulation of metals occurred in the roots (27.33–50.76 mg/kg). Zn was the metal that accumulated at the highest rates in most cases. The phytoextraction percentages were higher for Cu and Zn (～2%) with respect to Cr (～1%). The percentages of metal removal from soil indicate the need to monitor soil properties, to recognize the influence of each treatment and to increase the concentration of bioavailable metals by the use of agricultural management practices aimed at promoting plant growth.     

Applicability of Heavy-Metal Phytoextraction in United Arab Emirates: An Investigation of Candidate Species

Phytoremediation of contaminated calcareous desert land in the United Arab Emirates has been investigated. Soils from 12 northern UAE sites, suspected of metal contamination, were acid-extracted and analyzed by ICP-OES for Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Twenty-two plants naturally growing at contaminated sites were sampled and analyzed for their uptake of Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn and eight commercially available plants, grown under controlled conditions, were also studied for their phytoextraction capabilities. The concentration of available Cr was found to be 1300 ± 150 mg/kg in the soil of the Ajman Industrial Zone and 80 ± 10 mg/kg of Pb was found at Bithna. Among the plants investigated, Portulaca oleracea and Iresine herbstii showed potential for Cr(VI) and Pb(II) accumulation, respectively, with bioconcentration factors (BCF) greater than unity. Atriplex halimus accumulated Co(II), Cr(III), and Cu(II) each with a BCF > 1.     

Treatment of Diesel-Contaminated Soil by Fenton and Persulfate Oxidation with Zero-Valent Iron

The objective of this research is to investigate Fenton and persulfate oxidation with zero-valent iron [Fe(0)] as a batch type ex-situ remediation technology for the treatment of diesel-contaminated soil. Results from batch experiments indicate that Fe(0) is a better catalyst for H₂O₂ and persulfate than Fe²⁺ for the enhancement of Fenton and persulfate oxidation in a batch system. Maximum removal was obtained after 12 h when 1 and 2 g of Fe(0) were added to hydrogen peroxide (250 mg/L) and persulfate (250 mg/L), respectively, in a soil-water system. As the amounts of Fe(0) and persulfate were increased three times at the optimal ratio, the removal of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) was enhanced accordingly. More than 90% of the TPH was removed in 3 h, and the treated soil met the Korean regulation level (500 mg/kg) for TPH. Increased amounts of Fe(0) and hydrogen peroxide (up to 10 g and 1250 mg/L, respectively) also significantly enhanced degradation under the optimal conditions. The results of our study suggest that Fe(0)-assisted Fenton and persulfate oxidation in a batch reactor may be an alternative option to treat diesel-contaminated soil.     

Equilibrium and kinetic studies on biosorption potential of charophyte biomass to remove heavy metals from synthetic metal solution and municipal wastewater

The risk of heavy metal contamination in domestic water causes serious health and environmental problems. Biosorption has been considered as an efficient and alternative way for treatment of heavy metal–contaminated wastewater. The potentials of dried charophytes, Chara aculeolata and Nitella opaca, to biosorb lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn) from synthetic solutions and municipal wastewater were investigated. The efficiency of metal removal was studied under varied conditions in different sorbent dosages, pH, and contact times. Biosorption isotherm and kinetics were used to clarify heavy metal preference and biosorption mechanism. C. aculeolata and N. opaca performed well in the biosorption of all three metal ions, with preference towards Pb, followed by Cd and Zn, in the single-metal solutions. Pb adsorption onto algal biomass followed first-order rate kinetics (N. opaca) and intraparticle diffusion (C. aculeolata and N. opaca). These results indicated physical adsorption process between Pb ions and both algal biomasses. Cd and Zn biosorption kinetics fitted the second-order rate model, indicating chemical adsorption between metal ions and both algae. The experimental data of three-metal biosorption fitted well to Langmuir isotherm model, suggesting that the metal ion adsorption occurred in a monolayer pattern on a homogeneous surface. C. aculeolata exhibited slightly higher maximum uptake of Pb, Cd, and Zn (105.3 mgPb/g, 23.0 mgCd/g, 15.2 mgZn/g) than did N. opaca (104.2 mgPb/g, 20.5 mgCd/g, 13.4 mgZn/g). In multi-metal solutions, antagonistic effect by metal competition was observed. The ability of charophytes to remove Pb and Zn was high in real municipal water (81–100%). Thus, the charophytic biomass may be considered for the treatment of metal contamination in municipal wastewater.     

Phytoremediation of iron from red soil of tropical region by using Centella asiatica

The accumulation and removal efficiency of Fe by Centella asiatica was carried out at various Fe concentrations in soil treatments (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg Fe/kg soil). Iron accumulation in different parts of C. asiatica (leaf, stem and root) was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Factorial experiment with a completely randomized design and Duncan's test were used for data analyses. The results revealed that C. asiatica have the ability to uptake and accumulate Fe significantly (p < 0.05; r = 0.977) in the aerial parts. The different soil treatments had significant effect on the total Fe accumulations in C. asiatica (p < 0.05). The potential of C. asiatica as a metal hyperaccumulator plant, harvested for analysis, shows efficient accumulation of Fe at high concentration (p < 0.05; r = 0.977). The root showed the highest accumulation of Fe followed by the leaves (p < 0.05) and the stem (p < 0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficient between leaves and root have showed highly significant correlation (p < 0.01; r = 0.785) as compared to the leaves and stem (p < 0.01; r = 0.780). The efficiency of Fe removal by C. asiatica from the contaminated soil has been evaluated by bioconcentration factor and translocation factor, found to be >1 and <1, respectively, further supporting its metal hyperaccumulator properties.     

Effectiveness of Various Small‐Scale Constructed Wetland Designs for the Removal of Iron and Zinc from Acid Mine Drainage under Field Conditions

A system of planted and unplanted small‐scale subsurface flow (SSF) and surface flow (SF) constructed wetlands together with hydroponic systems (HP) were installed to compare the removal efficiencies of Fe and Zn from acid mine drainage (AMD) under long‐term field conditions. Maximum removal of 94–97 % (116–142 mg/m² d) for Fe and 69–77 % (6.2–7.9 mg/m² d) for Zn was calculated for the planted soil systems. The planted SSF was most sensitive to heavy rain fall. Short‐term increases of the metal concentration in the outflows, short‐term breakdowns of the Fe removal and continual long‐term breakdowns of the Zn removal were observed. In contrast to Zn removal, all wetland types are applicable for Fe removal with maximum removal in the range of 60–98 %. Most of the removed Fe and Zn was transformed and deposited inside the soil bed. The amount absorbed by the plants (0.03 to 0.3 %) and gravel‐associated soil beds (0.03 to 1.7 %) of the total input were low for both metals. The response of the planted SSF to rainfall suggests a remobilization of metals accumulated inside the rhizosphere and the importance of buffering effects of the surface water layers of SF systems. The importance of plants for metal removal was shown.     

Chemical Extraction of Arsenic and Heavy Metals from Contaminated Soils Under High Temperature and Pressure Conditions in Abandoned Mines in South Korea

The chemical extraction of As and heavy metals from contaminated soils, sampled from the Geopoong and Keumpoong mines in South Korea, was investigated under subcritical conditions. Soil samples from the abandoned mines were heavily contaminated with As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. The extent of metal removed from the contaminated soils by extractants varied according to the chemical forms of the metals in the soils. When temperature increased, the extraction of As increased accordingly, showing 92-100% removal with 100 mM of NaOH at 300°C. In contrast, the extraction of cationic metals by citric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) decreased markedly at 200–300°C because their chelating ability was decreased via decarboxylation and dehydration at high temperatures. Furthermore, the extraction of cationic metals was significantly affected by solution pH. Our results suggest that chemical extraction of cationic metals under subcritical conditions may be affected by several factors, including character of metal, type of extracting reagent, existing forms of metal in the soil, temperature, and soil pH.     

Portulaca grandiflora as green roof vegetation: Plant growth and phytoremediation experiments

Finding appropriate rooftop vegetation may improve the quality of runoff from green roofs. Portulaca grandiflora was examined as possible vegetation for green roofs. Green roof substrate was found to have low bulk density (360.7 kg/m³) and high water-holding capacity (49.4%), air-filled porosity (21.1%), and hydraulic conductivity (5270 mm/hour). The optimal substrate also supported the growth of P. grandiflora with biomass multiplication of 450.3% and relative growth rate of 0.038. Phytoextraction potential of P. grandiflora was evaluated using metal-spiked green roof substrate as a function of time and spiked substrate metal concentration. It was identified that P. grandiflora accumulated all metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn) from metal-spiked green roof substrate. At the end of 40 days, P. grandiflora accumulated 811 ± 26.7, 87.2 ± 3.59, 416 ± 15.8, 459 ± 15.6, 746 ± 20.9, 357 ± 18.5, 565 ± 6.8, and 596 ± 24.4 mg/kg of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn, respectively. Results also indicated that spiked substrate metal concentration strongly influenced metal accumulation property of P. grandiflora with metal uptake increased and accumulation factor decreased with increase in substrate metal concentration. P. grandiflora also showed potential to translocate all the examined metals with translocation factor greater than 1 for Al, Cu, Fe, and Zn, indicating hyperaccumulation property.     

A Probable Risk Factor of Female Breast Cancer: Study on Benign and Malignant Breast Tissue Samples

The study reports enhanced Fe, Cu, and Zn contents in breast tissues, a probable risk factor of breast cancer in females. Forty-one formalin-fixed breast tissues were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Twenty malignant, six adjacent to malignant and 15 benign tissues samples were investigated. The malignant tissues samples were of grade 11 and type invasive ductal carcinoma. The quantitative comparison between the elemental levels measured in the two types of specimen (benign and malignant) tissues (removed after surgery) suggests significant elevation of these metals (Fe, Cu, and Zn) in the malignant tissue. The specimens were collected just after mastectomy of women aged 19 to 59 years from the hospitals of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Most of the patients belong to urban areas of Pakistan. Findings of study depict that these elements have a promising role in the initiation and development of carcinoma as consistent pattern of elevation for Fe, Cu, and Zn was observed. The results showed the excessive accumulation of Fe (229?±?121 mg/L) in malignant breast tissue samples of patients (p?<?0.05) to that in benign tissues samples (49.1?±?11.4 mg/L). Findings indicated that excess accumulation of iron in malignant tissues can be a risk factor of breast cancer. In order to validate our method of analysis, certified reference material muscle tissue lyophilized (IAEA) MA-M-2/TM was analyzed for metal studied. Determined concentrations were quite in good agreement with certified levels. Asymmetric concentration distribution for Fe, Cu, and Zn was observed in both malignant and benign tissue samples.     

Effect of Zinc Sulfate Fortificant on Iron Absorption from Low Extraction Wheat Flour Co-Fortified with Ferrous Sulfate

The co-fortification of wheat flour with iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) is a strategy used to prevent these deficiencies in the population. Given that Zn could interact negatively with Fe, the objective was to assess the effect of Zn on Fe absorption from bread prepared with wheat flour fortified with Fe and graded levels of Zn fortificant. Twelve women aged 30–43 years, with contraception and a negative pregnancy test, participated in the study. They received on four different days, after an overnight fast, 100 g of bread made with wheat flour (70 % extraction) fortified with 30 mg Fe/kg as ferrous sulfate (A) or prepared with the same Fe-fortified flour but with graded levels of Zn, as zinc sulfate: 30 mg/kg (B), 60 mg/kg (C), or 90 mg/kg (D). Fe radioisotopes (⁵⁹Fe and ⁵⁵Fe) of high specific activity were used as tracers and Fe absorption iron was measured by the incorporation of radioactive Fe into erythrocytes. Results: The geometric mean and range of ±1 SD of Fe absorption were: A?=?19.8 % (10.5–37.2 %), B?=?18.5 % (10.2–33.4 %), C?=?17.7 % (7.7–38.7 %), and D?=?11.2 % (6.2–20.3 %), respectively; ANOVA for repeated measures F?=?5.14, p?<?0.01 (Scheffè’s post hoc test: A vs D and B vs D, p?<?0.05). We can conclude that Fe is well absorbed from low extraction flour fortified with 30 mg/kg of Fe, as ferrous sulfate, and up to 60 mg/kg of Zn, as Zn sulfate. A statistically significant reduction of Fe absorption was observed at a Zn fortification level of 90 mg Zn/kg.     

Phytoremediation of Wastewater with Limnocharis Flava,Thalia Geniculata and Typha Latifolia in Constructed Wetlands

Phytoremediation is thought to be the most sustainable wastewater treatment option for developing countries. However, its application is often limited by unavailability of suitable candidate species. In the present study, the potentials of Limnocharis flava, Thalia geniculata and Typha latifolia for remediation of heavy metal contaminated wastewater with a constructed wetland system were evaluated. The wetland consisted of three treatment lines each planted with sufficient and equal number of a species. Duplicate plant and water samples were collected bi-monthly and analyzed for Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Hg using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer over a six month period. Bioaccumulation rates generally increased over time and varied among plants for these metals, with Fe (456–1549 mg kg¹ roots; 20–183 mg kg^?1 shoot) being the most sequestered and Pb (1.2–7.6 mg kg^?1 roots; 1.55–3.95 mg kg^?1 shoot) the least. Translocation factors differed among the species but generally remained stable over time. L. flava showed potential for hyperaccumulating Hg. Removal efficiencies varied for the studied metals (～ 20–77 %) and were generally related to metal uptake by the plants. These results demonstrate the suitability of the species for phytoremediation, and the usefulness of the technique as an option for improving irrigation water quality in Ghana.

Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of International Journal of Phytoremediation to view the supplemental file.     

Evaluation of trace metals in sediment,water, and fish (Mugil cephalus) of the central Black Sea coast of Turkey

In this study, concentrations of trace metals such as As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb, Ni, Sn, Se, and Zn were determined in sediments, water, and a kind of fish (Mugil cephalus) of the central Black Sea coasts by employing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and microwave digestion technique. Gill, muscle, liver, and other tissues were analyzed separately for each sample. The accuracy of the results were checked by using a certified reference material (DORM-4). In water samples, the metal determined at highest concentrations was Cu (1645.44 µg/L). In sediment samples, the metal determined at highest concentrations was Fe (12223.50 mg/kg). The levels of trace metals found in the different parts of the fish were: Zn in muscle tissue (30393.28 mg/kg), Sn in gill tissue (5140.08 mg/kg), and Cu in liver tissue (289.31 mg/kg). These results were also compared with various relevant guidelines and literature.     

Enhanced Removal of Lead from Soil Using Biosurfactant Derived from Edible Oils

ABSTRACT

Lead contamination in soil due to anthropogenic activities has amplified and therefore, remediation is of prime significance due to its nonbiodegradability and toxicity effects. This study focuses on lead removal from the soil collected from a rifle range using biosurfactants produced from native microorganisms and edible oils. Native microorganisms in contaminated soil served as a source for biosurfactant production aided by edible vegetable oils such as palm oil and gingelly oil. Preliminary isolation and characterization studies indicated the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that produced biosurfactant and removed lead simultaneously. Batch adsorption experiments showed 96%–99.6% of lead adsorption following Langmuir isotherm model. Lead desorption of 23.6% occurred without biosurfactant. Whereas in the presence of biosurfactants, enhanced desorption of 62.3% was observed. Of both palm oil and gingelly oil derived biosurfactants, the former reached a lead removal efficiency of 93.6% indicating the feasibility and effectiveness of the biosurfactants for contaminated site remediation.     

Pyrene degradation and copper and zinc uptake by Fusarium solani and Hypocrea lixii isolated from petrol station soil

Aims: This study aimed to isolate and identify potential polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)‐degrading and/or metal‐tolerant fungi from PAH‐contaminated and metal‐contaminated soils. Methods and Results: Pyrene‐degrading fungi were isolated from contaminated soil and tested for metal (Cu, Zn and Pb) compound solubilization and metal accumulation. Three strains of Fusarium solani and one of Hypocrea lixii were able to degrade more than 60% of initial supplied pyrene (100 mg l^?1) after 2 weeks. The isolates were grown on toxic metal (Cu, Pb and Zn)‐containing media: all isolates accumulated Cu in their mycelia to values ranging from c. 5·9 to 10·4 mmol per kg dry weight biomass. The isolates were also able to accumulate Zn (c. 3·7–7·2 mmol per kg dry weight biomass) from zinc phosphate‐amended media. None of the isolates accumulated Pb. Conclusions: These fungal isolates appear to show promise for use in bioremediation of pyrene or related xenobiotics and removal of copper and zinc from wastes contaminated singly or in combination with these substances. Significance and Impact of the Study: Microbial responses to mixed organic and inorganic pollution are seldom considered: this research highlights the abilities of certain fungal strains to interact with both xenobiotics and toxic metals and is relevant to other studies on natural attenuation and bioremediation of polluted sites.     

Zn,Cd, S and trace metal bioaccumulation in willow (Salix spp.) cultivars grown hydroponically

Willows (Salix spp.) can be used to phytoremediate soils contaminated by Zn and Cd under certain conditions. In this study, the ability of 14 Salix cultivars to concentrate Cd, Zn and S in leaves was measured in hydroponic culture with 10 and 200 µM Cd and Zn, respectively, in the nutrient medium. The cultivars showed a wide range of biomass yields, tolerance to metals, and foliar concentrations of Zn and Cd, with some cultivars accumulating up to 1000 mg kg^?1 Zn, 70 mg kg^?1 Cd and 10,000 mg kg^?1 S with only mild phytotoxicity symptoms attributable to excess Zn. Cultivars with higher foliar Zn concentrations tended to have higher foliar Cd concentrations as well, and competition between Zn and Cd for uptake was observed. Exposure of Salix cultivars to Cd and Zn did not affect foliar concentrations of secondary metabolites such as polyphenols, but trace metal concentrations in leaves were significantly reduced (Fe and Cu) or increased (Mn) by exposure to excess Zn and Cd. Sulfur-XANES spectroscopy showed foliar S to be predominantly in highly oxidized (sulfate plus sulfonate) and reduced (thiol) forms, with oxidized S more prevalent in willows with the highest total S content.     

Evaluation of the Phytoextraction Potential at an Acid-Mine-Drainage-Impacted Site

Four plant species were found naturally growing at an acid mine drainage (AMD)-impacted site contaminated with 9430 mg kg^?1Al, 76,000 Fe mg kg^?1, ～150 mg kg^?1Mn, and 420 mg kg^?1 Mg: soybeans (Glycine max), cattails (Typha latifolia), goldenrods (Solidago sp.), and reed grass (Phragmites australis). The metal uptake selectivity was Fe?Mg～Mn>Al for cattails, Mg>Mn>Fe>Al for goldenrods, and Fe?Al>Mg>Mn for reeds. When metal translocation factors, shoot concentrations, and toxicity of the contaminants were correlated, cattails and reeds were more effective at the site than the soybeans or goldenrods. Cattails had a translocation factor of 3.71 for Al, 3.3 for Mg, 1.98 for Mn, and only 0.2 for Fe. The translocation factors for reeds were much higher for Fe (8.64) and Al (7.3). Cattails (1.11 mg Al g^?1 shoot) and reeds (3.4 mg g^?1 g shoot) were both able to hyperaccumulate Al. Additional research is warranted to ascertain if the uptake efficiencies can be enhanced by the use of chelators.     

Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals in Contaminated Water and Soil Using Miscanthus sp. Goedae-Uksae 1

The aim of this study is to characterize the heavy metal phytoremediation potential of Miscanthus sp. Goedae-Uksae 1, a hybrid, perennial, bio-energy crop developed in South Korea. Six different metals (As, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cd, and Zn) were used for the study. The hybrid grass effectively absorbed all the metals from contaminated soil. The maximum removal was observed for As (97.7%), and minimum removal was observed for Zn (42.9%). Similarly, Goedae-Uksae 1 absorbed all the metals from contaminated water except As. Cd, Pb, and Zn were completely (100%) removed from contaminated water samples. Generally, the concentration of metals in roots was several folds higher than in shoots. Initial concentration of metals highly influenced the phytoremediation rate. The results of the bioconcentration factor, translocation factor, and enrichment coefficient tests indicate that Goedae-Uksae 1 could be used for phytoremediation in a marginally contaminated ecosystem.