Phytoremediation of Soils Contaminated with Heavy Metals Resulting from Acidic Sludge of Eshtehard Industrial Town using Native Pasture Plants

Abstract

Phytoremediation of heavy metals is considered as an inexpensive and practical technique for purifying contaminated soil, especially when eco-friendly native pasture plants of the contaminated area are used. In this study, heavy metals in soil including Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ni and native pasture plants around Eshtehard industrial town, which were contaminated due to the entry of acidic sludge, were examined. In this regard, the hyperaccumulation and phytostabilization potential of the plants in the study area were investigated. Accordingly, A.tenuifolia in Cd, Pb and Ni, C.persica in Zn, C. arenarius in Ni, P. piptostigma in Cr and Zn, B. tectorum in Cd and Zn, S. hohenackeriana in Cr, Pb and Cd, P.aucheri in Zn, and P. harmala L in Pb and Ni.  Species with stabilizing potential include A. tenuifolia In Cd and Ni, N. persica in Zn, A.tauschii and B. tectorum in Ni, P.aucheri and P.harmala in Pb. Hyperaccumulating plants can be disposed of easily just like industrial wastes with heavy metals. Plants with stabilizing capacity can prevent the spread of heavy metal contamination to uncontaminated areas like the surrounding farms in addition to providing visual beauty for the region.

Keywords: acidic sludge, heavy metals, phytoremediation, Eshtehard industrial town