Abstract
PHYTOREMEDIATION OF HEAVY METALS Pb AND Cr IN CONTAMINATED SOIL BY HOLCUS LANATUS AND CYNODON DACTYLON PLANTS

Remediation of Pb and Cr from contaminated soil system was evaluated by using hyperaccumulator plans such as Holcus lanatus and Cynodon dactylon (Arugampul) in pilot field experimental studies under greenhouse conditions. Plants were grown in 12 x 12 square feet experimental field having soils with lead and chromium contamination. The results revealed that pH and soil organic carbon contents have influenced the metal uptake of the plants. During the experimental period, periodically 100 mg/L metal solution was spiked along with the ground water supply. It was observed that the levels of Pb (2.85 and 3.15 mg/kg) in Holcus lanatus and Arugampul and Cr (2.55 and 2.95 mg/kg) in Holcus lanatus and Arugampul in the roots and stems after 120 days. The results showed that more bioavailable pool of Pb and Cr was translocated from the root to stem and then to leaf parts. The results obtained suggest that the plant has phytoextraction ability and could be used in restoring soil polluted with Pb and Cr.