Comparison of the Absorption Capability between Heavy Metals (Cd2+ and Pb2+) in the Roots, Shoots, and Leaves of Epipremnum Aureum

Yong, Xin Yi (2023) Comparison of the Absorption Capability between Heavy Metals (Cd2+ and Pb2+) in the Roots, Shoots, and Leaves of Epipremnum Aureum. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

Phytoremediation is an effective method to remove contaminants such as heavy metals that are present in the soil and water by utilizing the plants. Epipremnum aureum, which belongs to the family Araceae, is a fast and easy growing ornamental plant. It has an extensive root system that can penetrate into the soil and enhance the absorption of heavy metals thus, is a potential candidate for phytoremediation. This project aims to compare the uptake capability of the leaves, shoot and root of Epipremnum aureum using 1000 ppm and 5000 ppm of each cadmium and lead solution. Besides, this project also aims to determine whether the Epipremnum aureum can absorb or accumulate the Cd and Pb treated by determining the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and the translocation factor (TF). The soil with the growing plants was contaminated by watering it with 1000 ppm and 5000 ppm of each lead and cadmium solution twice a week and the plants were harvested after five weeks. The leaves, shoots and roots were digested and analyzed by using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Results show the overall uptake capability of both the Cd and Pb is higher in the plant treated with 5000 ppm of the heavy metal solution than 1000 ppm. Significant differences were obtained in each plant part treated with different concentrations of Pb and Cd respectively except for the leaves treated with different concentrations of Cd (p<0.05). The average heavy metals concentration in the Epipremnum aureum was shown in the order of : root > shoot > leaves. The BCF and TF for Pb at 5000 ppm was 0.27±0.00 and 0.35±0.00 respectively, which shows higher value as compared to the BCF and TF of Cd, indicating the Epipremnum aureum can accumulate and translocate more Pb than Cd. However, both the BCF and TF<1, indicating that only a very small amount of Pb and Cd was absorbed from the soil to roots, and translocated to the shoot. Therefore, it is not suitable for using Epipremnum aureum in phytoremediation for Pb and Cd as they do not hyperaccumulate Cd and Pb. Keywords : Phytoremediation, Epipremnum aureum, Cadmium, Lead, Bioconcentration Factor, Translocation Factor