Phytoremediation of heavy metals and nutrients by the Sagittaria montevidensis into an anthropogenic contaminated site at Southern of Brazil

Abstract

The evaluation of plants occurring naturally at contaminated environments are essential for applying this species in remediation techniques. In this context, the Sagittaria montevidensis with potential for phytoremediation was studied at an anthropogenic polluted stream in southern Brazil. The nutrients and heavy metal content were determined in the phytomass. The phytoremediation indexes were evaluated such as bioconcentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF), plant effective number (PEN), and potential phytoremoval (mg m⁻²). The S. montevidensis was then detected as presenting natural phytoextraction ability for potassium and calcium elements and also demonstrated rhizofiltration potential for phosphorus, manganese, aluminum, vanadium, sulfur, iron, arsenic, copper, magnesium, zinc, sodium, lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, considering its ability of bioaccumulating these contaminants and retain high levels in the roots. The highest potential for bioremoval (mg m⁻²) of the S. montevidensis was detected for potassium and calcium (recommending thus the use for phytoextraction) and for aluminum, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sulfur, and sodium, along with heavy metals (recommended for rhizofiltration). The S. montevidensis decontamination ability, along with its biomass production and its adaptability represents a great advance in order to the recovery of this degraded area and possible application in other contaminated watercourses in Brazil.

Keywords:

• Environmental contamination
• eutrophication
• heavy metals
• Santa Bárbara stream

Acknowledgments

This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil (CAPES) – Finance code 001, by the CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development) and FAPERGS (Research Support Foundation of the State of Rio Grande do Sul).Thanks to Dra. Raquel Ludtke for the identification of the plant and to the Department of Botany of the Institute of Biology at the Federal University of Pelotas.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil (CAPES) – Finance code 001, by the CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development) and FAPERGS (Research Support Foundation of the State of Rio Grande do Sul).