Phytoremediation of Pb(II) by Jasminum sambac

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to asses Pb(II) bioaccumulation in Jasminum sambac cultivated in a green house under controlled conditions. For this purpose Jasminum sambac plants were cultivated and irrigated with industrial wastewater contaminated with Pb(II). After an interval of 10 days for maximum 50 days Jasminum sambac plants were removed and analyzed for Pb(II) concentration in various parts. The Pb(II) accumulation was observed in soil and in different parts of plant e.g. leaves, stem, roots and flowers. The Pb(II) accumulation was found dependent on soil pH and Pb(II) in concentration in industrial wastewater. Jasminum sambac was found to be Pb(II) hyper-accumulator plant. The maximum amount of Pb(II) detected in soil, leaves, stem, root, and flowers was 1742±3, 825±7, 339±5 508±8, and 3.98±0.1 mg/kg, respectively after 50 days. Very low quantity of Pb(II) was accumulated in Jasmine sambac flowers suggesting that its flowers still can be used.