Phyto-extraction of Chromium from Polluted Terrestrial Environments by Talinum triangulare (Ceylon Spinach) and the effect of External Chelators on the Chromium Extraction Potential

Abstract

The study was carried out to investigate the potential of Talinum triangulare (Ceylon Spinach) to remediate Cr contaminated soil under greenhouse conditions. In primary studies, T. triangulare showed significant resistance to Cr toxicity, however the amount of metal extracted was not sufficient enough to consider it as a potential phyto-extractor. Further pot experiments were conducted to find out the effect on Cr accumulation using EDTA as chelant under 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0 and 10.0 mmol kg-1 chelator concentrations. EDTA had virtually a significant effect on uptake of the metals by the plant and elevated Cr concentrations in plant organs as compared with the control. Optimum phytoextraction was observed when 2.0 mmol kg−1 EDTA was added with relatively high biomass production of plant species. EDTA modifies the uptake and the translocation of Cr by plants but the results concerning the uptake and the accumulation depend on the available Cr concentration in soil.