Remediation of soils polluted with metals by phytoextraction using Hordeum vulgare L.

Abstract

With the growth of industrial activities, environmental pollution with metals has become more and more pronounced, being an increasingly serious threat to the environment, health, and human life. The work aims to evaluate the possibilities of remediation of soil polluted by mining activities using the barley species Hordeum vulgare L. The soil used in the research is sandy, partially structured, slightly acidic, and contains high levels of metals (Cu, Zn, Cr, and Cd). The research was conducted over 60 days, following the evolution of the plants depending on the addition materials (brown peat, humus, commercial flower soil) and watering solutions (water or aqueous fertilizer solution). Finally, metal concentrations were determined in both the harvested plants and the soil. The study demonstrated that the Hordeum vulgare L. plant effectively remediates contaminated soils, having a low capacity to eliminate Cu and Zn, but a moderate to high one for Cr and Cd. It was observed that metals accumulated in a higher proportion in the roots of the plant than in the aerial part. It was also found that the use of humus is not effective, while flower soil has an efficiency similar to that of brown peat.

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