Hydroponic Phytoremediation of Ni, Co, and Pb by Iris Sibirica L.

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution in mine wastelands is quite severe. Iris sibirica L., an emergent wetland plant, is characterized by an ability to survive under high stress of heavy metals. This study aimed to explore the phytoremediation ability of nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and lead (Pb) by Iris sibirica L. under hydroponic conditions. A series of tests were conducted at different metal stress conditions to evaluate the phytoextraction and tolerance of Iris sibirica L. The concentrations of Ni, Co, and Pb in plant shoots reached their highest values in 500 mg L−1 treatments, where they were 6.55%, 23.64%, and 79.24% higher than those in 300 mg L−1, respectively. The same concentrations in roots also reached their peak in 500 mg L−1 treatments, where they were 5.52%, 33.02%, and 70.15% higher than those in 300 mg L−1, respectively. Bioconcentration factors (BCF) for Ni, Co, and Pb revealed the phytoextraction ability of Iris sibirica L., and the translocation factors (TCF) showed that Ni may be most easily translocated in the plant, followed by Co and Pb. This study indicates that, compared with Ni and Co, Iris sibirica L. is more suitable for the phytoremediation of Pb-contaminated metal mine wastelands.

Wastewater Hydroponics for Pollutant Removal and Food Production: Principles, Progress and Future Outlook

“…Helianthus annuus can simultaneously absorb As, Cd, Cr, nickel (Ni), and Fe, and a significant increase of the As and Cd enrichment phenomenon was observed [53]. Iris sibirica can tolerate and accumulate Pb, cobalt (Co), and Ni, and the bioaccumulation factor of Pb is greater than one, indicating that it has a good phytoremediation potential for Pb and can be used for the remediation of mineral wastewater [54]. Researchers also used sunflower to absorb and accumulate radioactive elements, Cd, plutonium (Pu) [55], uranium (U) [56], and radon-222 [57].…”

Analysis of urban runoff remediation potential of zinc with Juncus effusus L. and Iris pseudacorus L. plants

“…In addition, Iris wilsonii plants decreased after 60 days of an experimental hydroponic study under acid mine drainage which was indicated based on the decay of the roots of some plants(Wu et al, 2022). The concentration of Ni markedly caused serious toxicity symptoms of Iris sibirica L. Both the root and shoot biomass appeared erratic with the increasing concentrations of Ni and eventually, they died(Wan et al 2021). On the contrary,Caldelas et al (2012) reported high rate of surviving and continued growth of Iris pseudacorus L. plants in nutritive solution with ZnCl 2 , along with remarkable accumulation of Zn in roots and leaves.…”