20th Annual Student Research Conference
Interdisciplinary
Phytoremediation: Studies of the Potential of Plants and Soil Amendments
Sarah E. Bloch
Dr. Barbara K. Kramer, Faculty Mentor
Phytoremediation is a proposed alternative to current soil remediation techniques. A factor of lead phytoremediation is the use of plants that accumulate high levels of lead. Six plant species were collected from a shooting range with lead-contaminated soil. These plants were analyzed to determine the amount of lead accumulated by each. Rumex crispus, Verbascum thapsus, and Physalis heterophylla showed potential for future use in phytoremediation. Another aspect of lead phytoremediation is the use of soil amendments, which enhance the transportation of lead from soil to shoot. EDTA has been the most effective amendment in previous studies; however, EDDS and humic acid have also shown potential and are safer for the environment. Soybean plants were grown for seven weeks in lead-contaminated soil from the shooting range and were exposed to these amendments. The results of this study will be presented to determine the potential of each amendment to enhance lead phytoremediation.
Keywords: phytoremediation, soil, remediation, environment, soybean, lead
Topic(s):Environmental Studies
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 5-1
Location: VH 1432
Time: 8:15 am