Bioaccumulation, translocation and phytoremediation by endemic serpentinophyte Artemisia alba Turra

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of some metals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cr) in the soil and in the endemic serpentinophyte Artemisia alba Turra. (Artemisia lobelii All.) on one serpentine site (Central Serbia), for determination the ability of this plant species in bioaccumulation, translocation and phytoremediation of researched metals. The concentrations of Ni and Cr in the investigated soil were above remediation values, the maximum allowable concentration, as well as of prescribed limit value of substances in the soil according to regulation of Republic of Serbia. Good translocation of Ca, Mn and Zn through the trees and leaves of the a. alba species, as well as the translocation and accumulation of Mg and Ni in the leaves of the investigated plant has been shown. We can consider a. alba as a potential candidate for phytoextraction and photoremediation of soils contaminated with Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn and Ni.