Heavy metal remediation in copper (Cu) contaminated soil of Andosol and Latosol using spinach (Amaranthus sp.) as bioaccumulator

Abstract

Concentration of heavy metal copper (Cu) which often present as pollutant in the environment can be minimized by one of remediation techniques called phytoremediation. It is a relatively inexpensive, simple, effective technique and showed minimal effect to the environment. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of spinach (Amaranthus sp.) in reducing Cu concentration in Andosol and Latosol soils. Three (3) different types of planting media namely Andosol, Latosol, and sandy soils with control treatment (without Cu) and Cu treatment (as CuSO4.5H2O) at a dose of 100 mg/kg or (1.5 gr per 5 kg of soil) were used in this study. The results showed that spinach was able to accumulate heavy metals both in the roots and leaves. However, heavy metal absorption was found to be higher in root tissue compared to other organs observed. The treatment of Latosol soil + compost with spinach plant showed the highest accumulation of Cu compared to other treatments. While in Andosol soils, Cu metal commonly found in the form of residues. Thus, it can be concluded that phytoremediation of Cu using spinach in Andosol and Latosol soil showed promising results.