title: Greenhouse study on the phytoremediation potential of vetiver grass, Chrysopogon zizanioides L., in arsenic-contaminated soils.
abstract: The purpose of this greenhouse study was to assess the capacity of vetiver grass to accumulate arsenic from pesticide-contaminated soils of varying physico-chemical properties. Results indicate that vetiver is capable of tolerating moderate levels of arsenic up to 225 mg/kg. Plant growth and arsenic removal efficiency was strongly influenced by soil properties. Arsenic removal was highest (10.6%) in Millhopper soil contaminated with 45 mg/kg arsenic, which decreased to 4.5 and 0.6% at 225 and 450 mg/kg, respectively. High biomass, widespread root system and environmental tolerance make this plant an attractive choice for the remediation of soils contaminated with moderate levels of arsenic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA. rupdatta@mtu.edu
authors.forename: Rupali
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Datta
authors.forename: Mario A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Quispe
authors.forename: Dibyendu
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sarkar
mesh_terms: D001151:Arsenic / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D052918:Environmental Restoration and Remediation / Q000379:methods; D006109:Poaceae / Q000378:metabolism*; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D001151:Arsenic