Applicability of Heavy-Metal Phytoextraction in United Arab Emirates: An Investigation of Candidate Species

Ayman Alyazouri, Roger Jewsbury, Hassan Tayim, Paul Humphreys, Mohammad H. Al-sayah

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Phytoremediation of contaminated calcareous desert land in the United Arab Emirates has been investigated. Soils from 12 northern UAE sites, suspected of metal contamination, were acid-extracted and analyzed by ICP-OES for Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Twenty-two plants naturally growing at contaminated sites were sampled and analyzed for their uptake of Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn and eight commercially available plants, grown under controlled conditions, were also studied for their phytoextraction capabilities. The concentration of available Cr was found to be 1300 ± 150 mg/kg in the soil of the Ajman Industrial Zone and 80 ± 10 mg/kg of Pb was found at Bithna. Among the plants investigated, Portulaca oleracea and Iresine herbstii showed potential for Cr(VI) and Pb(II) accumulation, respectively, with bioconcentration factors (BCF) greater than unity. Atriplex halimus accumulated Co(II), Cr(III), and Cu(II) each with a BCF > 1.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)557-570
Number of pages14
JournalSoil and Sediment Contamination
Volume23
Issue number5
Early online date28 Jan 2014
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Jan 2014

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