DUAL USE OF PLANTS FOR REMEDIATION AND CARBON STORAGE
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Samuel Mutiti
Abstract
Certain plant species can hyperaccumulate heavy metals and are used to remediate contaminated sites. This study compares the hyperaccumulation potential of five plant species in soils contaminated with lead and copper. In addition, the study evaluates the ability of these plants to sequester carbon, which can help mitigate climate change. Soil and plant samples were collected from the field as contaminated sites. Using X-Ray Fluorescence, heavy metal concentrations were measured in the samples. Decomposition rates of plant biomass were indirectly measured using in-situ CO2chambers and directly in the lab using decomposition chambers and CO2sensors. These rates were used to compare carbon sequestration potential of the plants. Preliminary results showed Tithonia rotundifolia to have the greatest rates of decomposition while Typha domingensishad the lowest rates both in the field and in the lab. Tithonia rotundifolia leaves were found to have the highest amount of lead and copper accumulation while Lantana camara was second. This research will provide insights into the potential use of these plants for both heavy metal remediation and carbon sequestration in contaminated soils. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2107177.
Start Date
27-3-2024 10:00 AM
End Date
27-3-2024 10:50 AM
Location
Magnolia Ballroom
DUAL USE OF PLANTS FOR REMEDIATION AND CARBON STORAGE
Magnolia Ballroom
Certain plant species can hyperaccumulate heavy metals and are used to remediate contaminated sites. This study compares the hyperaccumulation potential of five plant species in soils contaminated with lead and copper. In addition, the study evaluates the ability of these plants to sequester carbon, which can help mitigate climate change. Soil and plant samples were collected from the field as contaminated sites. Using X-Ray Fluorescence, heavy metal concentrations were measured in the samples. Decomposition rates of plant biomass were indirectly measured using in-situ CO2chambers and directly in the lab using decomposition chambers and CO2sensors. These rates were used to compare carbon sequestration potential of the plants. Preliminary results showed Tithonia rotundifolia to have the greatest rates of decomposition while Typha domingensishad the lowest rates both in the field and in the lab. Tithonia rotundifolia leaves were found to have the highest amount of lead and copper accumulation while Lantana camara was second. This research will provide insights into the potential use of these plants for both heavy metal remediation and carbon sequestration in contaminated soils. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2107177.