Yao Roger Kouadio

Plants for Remediation of Polluted Soils in Tropical Areas:

Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides)

• Used for: heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic), pesticides
• Characteristics: deep root system, high tolerance to drought and pollution

Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea)

• Used for: lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni)
• Characteristics: fast-growing, easy to cultivate, effective in metal extraction

Maize (Zea mays)

• Used for: heavy metals and organic pollutants
• Characteristics: used in both phytostabilization and phytoextraction

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

• Used for: lead, arsenic, zinc
• Characteristics: rapid metal uptake, high biomass

Banana Plant (Musa spp.)

• Used for: heavy metals, nitrates
• Characteristics: large leaves and root system, also used in phytowashing (phytoleaching)

Ipomoea aquatica (Water Spinach)

• Used for: nitrites, phosphates, heavy metals in wet soils
• Characteristics: commonly used in tropical wetlands

Jatropha curcas

• Used for: petroleum and pesticide pollution
• Characteristics: drought-resistant, also used for biodiesel production

These plants are effective in various phytoremediation methods: Phytoextraction (absorbing contaminants), Phytostabilization (immobilizing contaminants in the soil), and Phytodegradation (breaking down organic pollutants).

1. Chrysopogon zizanioides

2. Pennisetum purpureum

3. Pennisetum purpureum

4. Sesbania spp.

5. Crotalaria juncea

6. Leucaena leucocephala

7. Eucalyptus spp.

8. Acacia mangium

9. Casuarina equisetifolia

10. Jatropha curcas

11. Tithonia diversifolia

12. Helianthus annuus (Sunflower)

13. Eichhornia crassipes

14. Pistia stratiotes (Water lettuce)

15. Cyperus papyrus

Tropical plants like okra, water spinach, Pteris vittata, and Jatropha curcas are commonly used for phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. These species help extract or stabilize pollutants, making them effective, eco-friendly options for soil cleanup in tropical regions.

Use of Plants in Bioremediation (With Diagram)

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Fern trees are well to use and giving good result in particularly tested in Arsenic rich soil.

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