Abstract

Phytoremediation, also known as green solution, is an environmentally supportive and cost effective method for removing heavy metals contaminants from an environment. This study investigated the phytoaccumulation of heavy metals by Talinum triangulare cultivated in charcoal production soil. Talinum triangulare was cultivated for a period of seven weeks in a charcoal production area in Amukpe, Delta State, Nigeria. Samples of soil and T. triangulare were collected from three different points (1, 2 & 3) within the charcoal production environment, and prepared for analysis of Cd, Cr, Zn, Mn, Pb, Ni, Cu, Co, V and As using Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Phytoremediation quotients for the heavy metals were also determined. Results indicated that the concentration of Cd in soil from sampling points 1 and 2 were higher than the reference value of the National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA). The concentrations of Pb, Ni, Cu and Co in soil from all sampling points were below their respective NESREA permissible limits. In the root and shoot of T. triangulare, Zn, Mn, Cu and Ni were present. The results also showed that T. triangulare had biological concentration factor greater than 1 for Zn, Mg and Cu in the three sampling points. Translocation factor was also greater than 1 for Mn in site 3. The order of mobility for the three heavy metals was as follows: Cu > Mn > Zn. Talinum triangulare therefore exhibits phytoremediation ability for these metals.