Phytoextraction of Zn(II) and Cu(II) by Canna indica: Related Physiological Effects

Abstract

Phytoremediation is a technique for treatment areas with medium or low heavymetals concentrations. A pot experiment was carried out to determine the usefulnessof Canna indica L. as phytoremediator species. The plants were treated with threeincreasing Zn(II) and Cu(II) solutions. 21 days later, dry weight, relative membraneconductivity, chlorophyll, carotene, malondialdehyde, soluble proteins, proline, andZn(II) and Cu(II) contents were measured. Zn(II) and Cu (II) treatments caused adecline in the dry weight, chlorophyll, carotene, and soluble proteins content,whereas the relative conductivity, malondialdehyde, and proline content showed theopposite pattern. The bioaccumulation reached values approximately 48 and 15 timeshigher (5293 mg kg1and 1425 mg kg1), compared with the control, for Zn(II)and Cu(II), respectively. Our results suggest that this species can be used for thephytoremediation of polluted soils with moderate concentrations of Zn(II) andCu(II).