Harnessing native plants for sustainable heavy metal phytoremediation in crushing industry soils of Muzaffarabad
Hajra Abid, Sehrish Mahroof, Khawaja Shafique Ahmad, Sehrish Sadia, Ummar Iqbal, Ansar Mehmood, Muhammad Shehzad, Abdul Basıt, Majid Mahmood Tahir, Uzma Azeem Awan, Khalid F. Almutairi, Hosam O. Elansary, Ihab Mohamed Moussa
Abstract
Phytoremediation provides an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective technique to mitigating heavy metal contamination in industrial and mining regions. This study explored the phytoremediation capabilities of three indigenous plant species Rumex hastatus , Amaranthus spinosus , and Cirsium arvense in soils contaminated with heavy metals from industrial and mining sites in Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir. Physico-chemical analysis of soil revealed alkaline pH (8.16), high electrical conductivity (dS m ─1 ) and the presence of metals, with Fe (169.44 mg/kg) and Zn (86.28 mg/kg) being predominant. Heavy metal accumulation in plant tissues followed the pattern Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Ni > Hg > Cd > Cr > As > Pb, with higher metal concentrations in roots except for Fe and Pb in R. hastatus . Photosynthetic pigment analysis showed the highest chlorophyll content in R. hastatus , while carotenoids were highest in A. spinosus . Antioxidant enzyme activities indicating oxidative stress mitigation, with R. hastatus showing the highest overall activity. Gas exchange parameters revealed the highest photosynthesis and transpiration rates in R. hastatus , while stomatal conductance and internal CO 2 concentration were highest in C. arvense . Proline and total soluble were maximum in R. hastatus . Bioconcentration factor (BCF) values were greater than 1 for most metals, with R. hastatus showing hyperaccumulation potential for Fe and Pb. The findings suggest that R . hastatus is a strong hyperaccumulator for Fe and Pb, while all species show promising phytostabilization, especially for Hg. Future research using these species could enhance soil decontamination strategies and promote sustainable environmental management.