Biotech Updates

Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils Using the Perennial Energy Crops Miscanthus and Giant Reed

October 28, 2015
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12155-015-9688-9

A research team, led by Bruno Barbosa of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa in Portugal, evaluated the tolerance and phytoremediation capacity of giant reed (Arundo donax) and several Miscanthus species in soils contaminated with heavy metals.

The giant reed biomass production was found to be negatively affected under 600 mg Chromium per Kg of soil. Meanwhile, Zn contamination significantly reduced M. x giganteus production but not M. sinensis or M. floridulus yields. However, M. × giganteus  was found to be the most productive in terms of biomass production.

Giant reed and the M. giganteus species can be considered as candidates for phytoextraction of heavy metals due to high metal accumulation and the high biomass produced. Both are well suited for prevention of heavy metal contamination as they inhibit leaching of heavy metal.