Enhanced phytoremediation capacity of a mixed-species plantation of Eucalyptus globulus and Chickpeas

It would take, respectively, 40, 68, 4225 and 127 years to reduce the concentration of Cd, Cu, Hg and Pb in the soil to safe levels, which is approximately half the time needed to achieve the same goal for Eucalyptus globulus or Chickpeas monocultures. The mixed cultivation enhances the phytoremediation efficiency of Cd and Cu contaminated soil significantly, but it is ineffective in reducing the Hg level in soil because of its low bioavailability.