Efficacy of lead (Pb) phytoextraction of five varieties of Helianthus annuus L. from contaminated soil. Environmental Technology & Innovation

Abstract

Phytoremediation is an innovative, cost effective and green alternate for metal remediation method. Helianthus annuus is a good hyperaccumulator plant, used for the removal of Pb because of its phytoremediation efficiency. In the present study, we have conducted pot experiment to evaluate the changes in physiological, biochemical responses and to compare Pb accumulation efficiencies of five varieties as DRSF-108, DRSF-113, LSFH-171, Phule Bhaskar and KBSH-44 of H. annuus. Plantlets were treated with different Pb concentrations. Variety Phule Bhaskar accumulated a higher concentration of Pb (693.69 mg kg) and minimum accumulation (333.16 mg kg) was observed in KBSH-44 after 60 days. Phule Bhaskar accumulated maximum (394.32 mg kg) Pb in the roots. The uptake of Pb has been reported to be higher in roots than the shoots. Levels of proline and polyphenol content increased with increasing Pb concentrations as 31.ol g and 7.15 mg g respectively at 60 days. Intracellular Pb distribution in plant tissues was observed by using SEM-EDX. Therefore, it is concluded from the study that among the five varieties, Phule Bhaskar has a greater ability for Pb accumulation than the rest of the varieties. These results may help us to expand Phule Bhaskar variety for sustainable farming and removal of Pb from polluted lands.