Evaluation of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) accumulation and translocation by Albizia lebbeck from industrial soil

Abstract

Field samples of Albizia lebbeck, deciduous tree with drought tolerant properties, growing on industrial soil (Challawa Industrial Estate) were collected and separated into leaves, stems, roots and associated ground soil to assess the accumulation and translocation of Six Potentially Toxic Metals (PTMs) (Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb and Ni ) from the soil. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was used to assess their levels. The bioaccumulation/ transfer of metals from roots to shoots and from soil to roots were evaluated in terms of translocation and bioconcentration factor. TF values of 1.22 , 1.41, 3.57 and 1.86 for Cu , Cd , Pb and Ni respectively indicate that A. lebbeck was efficient in translocation of PTMs from roots to shoots and follows the trend Cu > Zn > Ni > Cr respectively. This depicts the plant as a likely candidate for phytoextraction of Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni. BCF values of Zn (0.94), Cu (0.85), Cd (1.37), Cr (1.25), Pb (2.3) and Ni (1.66) were noted for the PTMs. This reveals that A. lebbeck may be suitable for phytostabilization of Zn and Cr in the contaminated soils as it retains high concentration of these PTMs in its roots in the study area.