Effect of zero-valent iron nanoparticles on the phytoextraction ability of Kochia scoparia and its response in Pb contaminated soil
Ali Daryabeigi Zand, Alireza Mikaeili Tabrizi
Abstract
Nanotechnology-supported phytoremediation is a new approach in remediation of toxic metal polluted soils, but very little is known about the effects of nanoparticles on plant survival and performance in Pb-contaminated soil. Seedlings of K. scoparia were exposed to different regimes of nanoparticles of zero-valent iron (nZVI) to investigate nZVI effects on plant growth, Pb uptake and accumulation and physiological response. Results indicated that the total Pb contents in K. scoparia treated with low to moderate concentrations of nZVI (100-500 mg/kg) were higher than those in control, with the highest Pb accumulation capacity of 857.18 μg per pot obtained in soil treated with 500 mg/kg nZVI. Translocation of Pb from the roots to the shoots of K. scoparia slightly increased with nZVI content of soil from 100 to 500 mg/kg, while Pb transfer in K. scoparia was suppressed at higher nZVI doses. This might be related to the biomass reduction and decrease of chlorophyll content induced by high nZVI levels. Results provide a promising method to remediate Pb-polluted soil by applying proper amounts of nZVI to enhance phytoremediation performance. Selective interaction of plants and nZVI has great application prospects in the context of soil remediation.