Application of arsenic hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata L. to contaminated soil in Northern China

Phytoextraction of arsenic (As) from contaminated soil using hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata L. has been applied to several contaminated areas in China and USA; however, most of them are located in Southern China. Low temperature during winter is the main reason limiting the application of P. vittata in Northern China. The aim of the current study is to explore the possibility of using P. vittata to remediate As-contaminated soil in Northern China and other areas with similar climate conditions and to obtain appropriate measures to aid in the survival of P. vittata in winter. Four different cover materials were used in the current study; by comparing growth conditions and remediation efficiency, the most suitable cover material for P. vittata was obtained. Results showed that using the combination of plastic film and soil or maize straw significantly improved soil temperature. While, the use of a single layer plastic film was the best choice when considering As accumulation.