THE BIOACCUMULATION STUDY OF ZINNIA ELEGANS L.: BIOACCUMULATING HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF LEAD (PB) FROM CONTAMINATED SOILS

Abstract

With increasing developmental trends in the fields of science and technology, the events of industrial revolution and green revolution in agriculture sector have led to improved life standards but it also has lead to the overall pollution of land, water and air. This study is to assess the ability of Zinnia elegans L. to accumulate Pb from the contaminated soils and thus making the process of reclaiming the contaminated land faster and cheaper. Multiple assessment techniques exists to assess the bioaccumulation capacity of various plant species, the method used in this study is AOAC 1990. By studying the ability of various species it would be easier to find the most suitable species for removing different heavy metals from the soils, in this case Pb. This study was carried out with the sole objective to estimate the bioaccumulation of Pb(Lead) at various concentrations in the soil by Zinnia elegans L. The results of this study will aid in the phytoremediation of soils contaminated by Pb and further in reclamation. The outcomes of this study can be utilised by soil scientists, farmers, policy makers etc for the overall well being of the soil health and the subsequent health of the environment.