A Study on Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil through Abelmoschus Esculentus L.

Heavy metal contamination is a serious threat to soil and water resources as well as human health. Phytoremediation is a promising technique to reclaim contaminated soil and water. A pot experiment was conducted where Abelmoschus esculentus L. (okra) was grown in heavy metal (Ni and Cr) contaminated soil at concentrations of 50 mg kg-1 and 100 mg kg-1 . After 60 days of the experiment, the plants were harvested and reduction of metal in soil, metal uptake and accumulation patterns in test plants were investigated. Effects of Ni and Cr on plant growth and physiology (Chlorophyll and proline content) were also assessed. The reduction percentage of Ni and Cr in soil was in the order of Cr 50 (2.32%) > Ni 50 (1.73%) > Cr 100 (1.24%) > Ni 100 (1.13%). The uptake of Ni and Cr was more in roots as compared to the shoots. The translocation of metals from root to shoot increased with increasing concentration. Due to addition of Ni and Cr in soil, inhibition in length and biomass of shoot and root was observed in comparison to the control. The concentration of chl a, chl b and total chlorophyll decreased with increasing metal concentration in soil, The proline content was seen to increase with increasing metal dosage. The findings suggest that A. esculentus holds potential for phytoremediation (phytostabilization) to reduce heavy metal contamination (Ni and Cr) in soil.