Potential use of Impatiens balsamina L. for bioremediation of lead and polychlorinated biphenyl contaminated soils

Abstract

In recent years, due to the improper dismantling of electronic waste (e‐waste) in China, high levels of lead (Pb) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been released into the environment, which posed potential health risks to residents, especially to children. A pot‐culture experiment was carried out to evaluate the phytoremediation potential of PCBs and Pb co‐contaminated soil by the use of Impatiens balsamina L. The results indicated that PCBs and Pb had negative effect on plant growth, while the presence of PCBs partially alleviated Pb toxicity to I. balsamina. The existence of PCBs showed nonsignificant effects on Pb uptake by I. balsamina. However, the presence of PCBs influenced the distribution of Pb among plant tissues. The order of Pb accumulation in tissues was roots > stems > leaves, indicating the plant may be suitable for the phytostabilization of Pb in soil. The degradation rates of PCB 18 (25–68%) and PCB 28 (14–61%) in the planted soil was significantly higher than that in the unplanted soil, which confirmed the vegetation is beneficial for the biodegradation of PCBs in soils. Plant–microbial consortia in the rhizosphere make a predominant contribution to PCBs dissipation in the co‐contaminated soil. Significant differences in microbial taxonomic composition between the contaminated soils and a blank control were observed. I. balsamina could have the potential for remediating PCBs and lead co‐contaminated soils, even though further field studies are still required.

Identifying Drought-Tolerant Impatiens Genotypes by Using Water Stress Treatment

“…Impatiens are native to Eurasia, North and Central America, New Guinea, tropical Africa and Madagascar, most concentrated in the tropics and subtropics areas (Yu et al, 2015;Hassemer and Pereira dos Santos, 2017). Naturally, Impatiens are also forest plants (Čuda et al, 2016; 2017) and they can remediate soil contamination such as lead (Pb), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (Liu et al, 2020) and tin (Sn) (Liu et al, 2021). Meanwhile, New Guinea Impatiens are perennial evergreen herbs with a long flowering period, rich flower colors and high ornamental value.…”