Potential of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) for Phytoremediation of Soils Contaminated with Heavy Metals

Authors: Violina R. Angelova, Mariana N. Perifanova-Nemska, Galina P. Uzunova, Krasimir I. Ivanov, Huu Q. Lee

Abstract:

A field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) for phytoremediation of contaminated soils. The experiment was performed on an agricultural field contaminated by the Non-Ferrous-Metal Works near Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Field experiments with a randomized, complete block design with five treatments (control, compost amendments added at 20 and 40 t/daa, and vemicompost amendments added at 20 and 40 t/daa) were carried out. The accumulation of heavy metals in the sunflower plant and the quality of the sunflower oil (heavy metals and fatty acid composition) were determined. The tested organic amendments significantly influenced the uptake of Pb, Zn and Cd by the sunflower plant. The incorporation of 40 t/decare of compost and 20 t/decare of vermicompost to the soil led to an increase in the ability of the sunflower to take up and accumulate Cd, Pb and Zn. Sunflower can be subjected to the accumulators of Pb, Zn and Cd and can be successfully used for phytoremediation of contaminated soils with heavy metals. The 40 t/daa compost treatment led to a decrease in heavy metal content in sunflower oil to below the regulated limits. Oil content and fatty acids composition were affected by compost and vermicompost amendment treatments. Adding compost and vermicompost increased the oil content in the seeds. Adding organic amendments increased the content of stearic, palmitoleic and oleic acids, and reduced the content of palmitic and gadoleic acids in sunflower oil. The possibility of further industrial processing of seeds to oil and use of the obtained oil will make sunflowers economically interesting crops for farmers of phytoremediation technology.

Keywords: Heavy metals, organic amendments, phytoremediation, sunflower.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1126371

References:

[1] N. Haque, J. R. Peralta-Videa, G. L. Jones, T. E. Gill, and J. L. Gardea Torresdey, “Screening the phytoremediation potential of desert broom (Baccharis sarothroides Gray) growing on mine tailings in Arizona, USA”, Environmental Pollution, vol.153, pp.362–368, 2008.
[2] I. D. Pulford and C. Watson, “Phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated land by trees-a review”, Environment International, vol.29, pp.528–540, 2003.
[3] A. P. G. C. Marques, R.S. Oliveira, A. O. S. S. Rangel, and P. M. L. Castro, “Application of manure and compost to contaminated soils and its effect on zinc accumulation by Solanum nigrum inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi”, Environmental Pollution, vol.151, pp.608–620, 2008.
[4] R. L. Chaney, M. Malik, Y. M. Li, S. L. Brown, E. P. Brewer, J. S. Angle, and A. J. M Baker, “Phytoremediation of soil metals”, Current Opinion in Biotechnology, vol.8, pp.279–284,1997.
[5] J. Ciura, M. Poniedzialek, A. Sekara and E. Jedrszezyk, “The possibility of using crops as metal phytoremediants”, Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, vol.14, pp.17-22, 2005.
[6] M. L. Lone, L. H. Zhen, J. S. Peter, and E. Y. Xiao, “Phytoremediation of heavy metal polluted soils and water: Progresses and perspectives”, Journal Zhejiang University Science Bulletin, vol.9, pp.210-220, 2010.
[7] J. L. Schnoor, “Phytoremediation”, Groundwater Remediation Technologies Analysis Center Technology Evaluation Report TE-98-01, 37, 1997.
[8] X. E. Yang, H.Y. Peng, and L.Y. Jiang, Phytoremediation of Copper from contaminated soil by Elsholtzia splendens as affected by EDTA, citric acid, and compost”, International Journal of Phytoremediation, vol. 7, pp.69-83, 2005.
[9] R. Clemente, D.J. Walker, and M. P. Bernal, “Uptake of heavy metals and As by Brassica juncea grown in a contaminated soil in Aznaco´llar (Spain)”, The effect of soil amendments. Environmental Pollution, vol.138, pp.46-58, 2005.
[10] D. J. Walker, R. Clemente, and M.P. Bernal, “The effects of soil amendments on heavy metal bioavailability in two contaminated Mediterranean soils”, Environmental Pollution, vol. 122, pp.303-312 2003.
[11] D. J. Walker, R. Clemente, and M.P. Bernal, “Contrasting effects of manure and compost on soil pH, heavy metal availability and growth of Chenopodium album L. in a soil contaminated by pyritic mine waste”, Chemosphere, vol. 57, pp. 215-224, 2004.
[12] V. R. Angelova, V. I. Akova, N. S. Artinova, and K. I. Ivanov, “The effect of organic amendments on soil chemical characteristics”, Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science, vol. 19 (5), pp. 958-971, 2013.
[13] A. Fässler, B.H. Robinson, S.K. Gupta, and R. Schulin, "Uptake and allocation of plant nutrients and Cd in maize, sunflower and tobacco growing on contaminated soil and the effect of soil conditioners under field conditions”, Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, vol.87, pp.339-352, 2010.
[14] J.P. Schwitzguebel, D. Van Der Lelie, A. Baker, D.J. Glass, and J. Vangronsveld, “Phytoremediation: European and American trends, success, obstacles and needs”, J. Soils Sediments, vol. 2, pp.91–99, 2002.
[15] E. Nehnevajova, R. Herzig, G. Federer, K.H. Erismann, and J. P. Schwitzguebel, “Chemical Mutagenesis-A Promising Technique to Increase Metal Concentration and Extraction in Sunflowers”, Int. J. Phytoremediation, vol. 9, pp.149–165, 2007.
[16] A. Vassilev, J. P. Schwitzguebel, T. Thewys, D. van der Lelie, and J. Vangronsveld, “The use of plants for remediation of metal-contaminated soils”, Scientific World J,. vol. 4, pp. 9–34, 2004.
[17] D. Van der Lelie, J.P. Schwizguebel, D. J. Glass, J. Vangronsveld, and A. Baker, “Assessing phytoremediation’s progress in the United States and Europe”, Environ. Sci. Technol., vol.35, pp.447–452, 2001.
[18] J. Lin, W. Jiang, and D. Liu, “Accumulation of copper by roots, hypocotyls, cotyledons and leaves of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)”, Biores. Technol., vol.86, pp.151–155, 2003.
[19] E. Nehnevajova, R. Herzig, G. Federer, K. H. Erismann and J. P. Schwitzguebel, “Screening of sunflower cultivars for metal phytoextraction in a contaminated field prior to mutagenesis”, International Journal of Phytoremediation, vol. 7, pp.337-349, 2005.
[20] M. N. V. Prasad, “Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) - a potential crop for environmental industry”, Helia, vol.30, pp.167-74, 2007.
[21] P. Madejon, J. M. Murillo, T. Maranon, F. Cabrera, and M. A. Soriano, “Trace element and nutrient accumulation in sunflower plants two years after the Aznacollar mine spill”, Sci. Total. Environ., vol. 307, pp.239–257, 2003.
[22] L. Marchiol, G. Fellet, D. Perosa, and G. Zerbi, “Removal of trace metals by Sorghum bicolor and Helianthus annuus in a site polluted by industrial wastes: a field experience”, Plant Phisiol. Biochem., vol. 45, pp.379-87, 2007.
[23] J. K. Adesodun, M.O. Atayese, T. A. Agbaje, B. A. Osadiaye, O. F. Mafe, and A. A. Soretire, “Phytoremediation potentials of sunflowers (Tithonia diversifolia and Helianthus annuus) for metals in soils contaminated with zinc and lead nitrates”, Water Air Soil Pollut., vol. 207, pp.195-201, 2010.
[24] T. Vamerali, L. Marchiol, M. Bandiera, G. Fellet, N. M. Dickinson, P. Lucchini, G. Mosca, and G Zerbi, “Advances in agronomic management of phytoremediation: methods and results from a 10-year study of metal-polluted soils”, Ital. J. Agr., vol.7, pp.42, 2012.
[25] E. M. Herrero, A López-Gonzálvez, M. A. Ruiz, J. A. Lucas-García, and C. Barbas, “Uptake and Distribution of Zinc, Cadmium, Lead and Copper in Brassica napus var. oleífera and Helianthus annus Grown in Contaminated Soils”, Int. J. Phytoremediation, vol. 5, pp.153-167, 2003.
[26] A. R. Rivelli, S. De Maria, M. Puschenreiter, and P. Gherbin, (2012): “Accumulation of cadmium, zinc and copper by Helianthus annuus L.: Impact on plant growth and uptake of nutritional elements”, International Journal of Phytoremediation, vol.14, pp.320–334, 2012.
[27] M. N. V. Prasad, “Phytoremediation of metals in the environment for sustainable development”, Proc. Indian Nanl. Sci. Acad., vol. 70(1), pp.71-98, 2004.
[28] N. Tahsin, and B. Yankov, “Research on accumulation of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) in sunflower oil”, Journal of Tekirdag Agricultural Faculty, vol. 4(1), pp.109-112, 2007.
[29] P. Zhuang, Z.H. Ye, C. Y. Lan, Z. W. Xie, and W. S. Shu, “Chemically assisted phytoextraction of heavy metals contaminated soils using three plant species”, Plant and Soil, vol. 276(1-2), pp.153–162, 2005.
[30] Soil quality - Extraction of trace elements soluble in aqua regia. ISO 11466, 1995.
[31] P. N. Soltanpour, and A.P. Schwab, “A new soil test of macro- and micro-nutrients in alkaline soils”, Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Analysis, vol. 8, pp.195-207, 1977.
[32] S. De Maria, and A. R. Rivelli, “Trace element accumulation and distribution in sunflower plants at the stages of flower bud and maturity”, Italian Journal of Agronomy, vol.8, pp. 65–72, 2013.
[33] Y. M. Li, R. L. Chaney, A.A. Schneiter, J. F. Miller, E. M. Elias, and J. J. Hammond, “Screening for low grain cadmium phenotypes in sunflower, durum wheat and flax”, Euphytica, vol. 94, pp.23–30, 1997.
[34] M. C. January, T. J. Cutright, H. Van Keulen, and R. Wei, “Hydroponic phytoremediation of Cd, Cr, Ni, As, and Fe: can Helianthus annuus hyperaccumulate multiple heavy metals?”, Chemosphere, vol.70, pp.531-537, 2008.
[35] S. D. Lane, and E.S. Martin, “A histochemical investigation of lead uptake in Raphanus satives”, New Phytol., vol. 79, pp. 281-286, 1977.
[36] H. Molahoseini, M. Feizi, and M. Seilsepour, “The concentration of some essential elements and cadmium in sunflower, turnip and forage corn under wastewater irrigation”, in Proc. The 1th International and The 4th National Congress on Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture, Isfahan, Iran, 26 – 27 April 2012, pp.1-6.
[37] R. L. Chaney, “Toxic element accumulation in soils and crops: protecting soil fertility and agricultural food-chains”, in Inorganic contaminants in the Vadose Zone. B. Bar Yosef, N. J. Barrow, J. Goldshmid J, Eds.. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1989, 140–158, 1989.
[38] H. J. Hapke, “Heavy metal transfer in the food chain to humans”, in Fertilizers and Environment. C. Rodrґıguez-Barrueco, Ed. Dordrecht: Kluwer, 1996,431–436.
[39] R. Chizzola, “Uptake and partitioning of cadmium in sunflowers, chamomile and St. John’s wort. Zeitschrift fur Arznei and Gewurzpflanzen”, vol. 3, pp.91-95, 1988.
[40] F. P. C. Blamey, R. K. Zollinger, and A. A. Schneiter, “Sunflower production and culture”, in Sunflower Science and Tehnology. AA. Schneiter, Ed. American Society of Agronomy, Madison, 1997.
[41] M. Korenovska, and O. Polacekova, “Trace elements content in virgin sunflower oil production”, Czech Journal of Food Sciences, vol. 18, pp. 61-65, 2000.
[42] Anonymous, Metals in Cold Pressed Oils, HMSO Publications Centre: London, UK, Food Surveillance Info. Sheet No. 138, 14, 1997.
[43] V. Kumar, “Nitrogen economy in Indian mustard through use of Azotobacter chroococcum”, Crop Research, vol. 8, pp. 449-452, 1994.
[44] S. C. Wu, Z. H. Cao, Z. G. Li,.and K. C. Cheung, “Effect of biofertilizer containing N-fixer, P and K solubilizers and AM fungi on maize growth: a greenhouse trial”, Geoderma, vol.125, pp. 155-166, 2005.
[45] E.A. Weiss, Oilseed Crops (second edition), Blackwell Science, Oxford, 2000.
[46] P. Akbari, A. Ghalavand, A. M. Modarres Sanavy, and M. Agha Alikhani, “The effect of biofertilizers, nitrogen fertilizer and farmyard manure on grain yield and seed quality of sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)”, Journal of Agricultural Technology, vol.7(1), pp.173-184, 2011.
[47] N. F. Kheir, E. Z. Harb, H. A. Moursi, and S. H. El-Gayar, “Effect of Salinity and Fertilization on Flax Plants (Linum usitatissimum L.). II. Chemical Composition”, Bull. Faculty Agriculture. (Univ. Cairo), vol. 42, pp.57–70, 1991.
[48] B. T. Steer, and G. I. Seiler, “Changes in fatty acid composition of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds in response to time of nitrogen application, supply rates and defoliation”, Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, vol. 51, pp. 11-26, 1990.