Phytoextraction based on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea arawali) planted on spiked soil by aliquot amount of Lead and Nickel

Phytoextraction is one of the mechanisms of phytoremediation for removal of heavy metals from contaminated soils. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of metal chelants, ethelyne diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and salicylic acid (SA), on the accumulation of lead and nickel by Indian mustard (Brassica juncea arawali) plants in contaminated soil. Plants were treated with Pb and Ni, each at concentrations of 800 mg/l. EDTA and SA were amended at 0.1 M and 1.0 mM respectively. Plants were harvested and oven-dried. Pb and Ni content were estimated using ICP-OES (Varian Vista-MPX CCD Simultaneous ICP-OES). The samples thus prepared were investigated for metals distribution and morphology in different tissues (root, stem and leaf) using energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) spectrometer attached to the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Metal distribution study in different tissues (root, stem, leaf) was done by SEM/EDS. The results showed that EDTA increased Pb and Ni uptake as compared to SA