Phytoremediation is a newly developed and environmentally friendly technology for the treatment of heavy metals in environment. However, limitations such as plants’ confined tolerance to heavy metals, small biomass, long growth cycle and low bioavailability of heavy metals are remained to be solved during the process of phytoremediation. Therefore, further researches should be focused on the improvements of phytoremediation efficiency on heavy metal absorption through increasing the biomass of plants and the bioavailability of heavy metals. This research is mainly concerned with sediment remediation by using Brassica juncea. Pot experiment is used among the different varieties in order to screen the optimal variety for heavy metal treatment. Organic fertilizer mixed with Effective microorganisms(EM) is added to decrease sediment pH and activate heavy metals in sediment. Indexes like total amount and morphological changes of heavy metals, total microbial amount and enzymatic activity are measured to evaluate the influence of bio-organic fertilizer on the bioavailability of heavy metals. A research on heavy metals absorption capacity of Brassica juncea is also conducted. Remediation efficiencies and biological characteristics of the plants are observed in order to estimate influence of heavy metals bioavailability on plant’s enrichment. Brassica juncea cultivated under stress of different concentration of Cd are implemented to determine its tolerance to Cd. Physiological changes, especially enzymatic activities, are obtained from Brassica juncea to indicate the possible Cd tolerance mechanisms. The influences of EGTA on heavy metal’s absorption and accumulation are also discussed in the research. Influencing factors such as the addictive amount and addictive period are considered to decide the optimal application way of EGTA which is beneficial for the absorption of Cd.

Phytoremediation on heavy metal contaminants in sewage river sediment

249th National Meeting (2015)

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