Phytoremediation of Lead and Chromium using Sunflower (<i>Helianthus annuus</i> L.) in Contaminated Soils of IBB University, Lapai, Nigeria

Abstract

Heavy metals are known to have adverse effect on ecosystem and human health when ingested beyond
tolerant limit as such phytoremediation utilizes plants to remediate metal polluted areas. The objectives of this study is to evaluate the potentials of sunflower in phytoremediation of chromium and lead from contaminated soil and to examine the rate of accumulation in roots, stems and leaves of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Results showed that the plant has high concentration of Pb (1.77 mg/kg) at 10 and 12 (WAP) and there was no significant difference in the absorption rate throughout
the experimental period, while at 2 WAP low concentration of Pb (1.52 mg/kg) was observed. The accumulation rate in the plant parts shows significant difference (p<0.05) at 2 and 6 WAP. The roots recorded the highest accumulation rate of both Pb and Cr 2.04 mg/kg and 1.60 mg/kg respectively, while the leaves recorded the least values 1.12 mg/kg and 0.09 mg/kg of Pb and Cr respectively. From results obtained heavy metal accumulation in sunflower was observed to be in the form leaves<stems<roots. Finally, sunflower has demonstrated to be a good absorber of Pb and Cr. Hence, it can be used in the phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated soils.