Phytoremediation of Cadmium from Soil Using Patience Dock (Rumex patientia L.)

Abstract

Herein is reported the remediation of cadmium in agricultural soil using patience dock (Rumex patientia L.). Potted experiments were performed on the campus of Namk Kemal University in greenhouse conditions. The soil was classified to have a neutral pH, low lime, and to be deficient in organic matter. The available phosphorus and the exchangeable potassium concentrations of the soil were both adequate. The soil was found to have a clay texture. Cadmium was added to the soil at 100mg/kg. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was added at one of four concentrations during the growing season of the patience dock. The plants were harvested after two months. The yield of the roots and shoots of patience dock decreased with increased application of EDTA. However, the mass of cadmium in the roots and shoots increased with EDTA application. These changes in the plant properties were statistically significant at the 1% significance level. These results show that patience dock (Rumex patientia L.) is suitable for the phytoremediation of cadmium.