Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6301955 | Ecological Engineering | 2014 | 9 Pages |
Abstract
Although chelates can enhance remediation efficiency in phytoremediation, they can cause adverse ecosystem effects. The purpose of this research was to investigate the potential effects of chelating agents on plant and soil ecosystems. The effects of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), ethylene diamine disuccinate (EDDS), and humic acids (HAs) on soil microbial properties, plant biomass, and metal accumulation were investigated in soils contaminated with Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ni. Four herbaceous plants were used for experimental purposes: Brassica juncea, Brassica campestris, Sorghum bicolor, and Helianthus annuus. EDTA was most effective for heavy metal uptake by plants, but had significant effects on plants and soils. Although EDDS addition can increase metal uptake, its effects are restricted to some plants and metal species. Plant selection can therefore be a more important factor than use of EDDS. HAs had limited influence on increases in heavy metal uptake but had favorable effects on plants and soil. Decreased plant biomass was strongly related to decreased chlorophyll content caused by increased metal concentrations in plant shoots. Results suggest that more efficient chelates may have higher toxicity. Long-term monitoring is therefore necessary to assess soil quality changes after the addition of chelating agents. Furthermore, the effects of the latter on ecosystems, as well as their metal removal efficiency, should be considered when selecting chelating agents for improved phytoremediation.
Keywords
Related Topics
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Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Authors
Junghun Lee, Kijune Sung,