title: Phytoextraction potential of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. with specific reference to lead and cadmium.
abstract: Root and shoot samples of Prosopis juliflora were assessed for their heavy metal content to evaluate the species as a green solution to decontaminate soils contaminated with lead and cadmium. The highest uptake of both the metals was observed in plants from industrial sites. Sites with more anthropogenic disturbance exhibited reduced chlorophyll levels, stunted growth, delayed and shortened reproductive phase. The ratios of lead and cadmium in leaves to lead and cadmium in soil were in the range of 0.62-1.46 and 0.55-1.71, respectively. Strong correlation between the degree of contamination and concentrations of lead and cadmium in plant samples identifies P. juliflora as an effective heavy metal remediator coupled with environmental stress.
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany, St. John's College, Agra 282002, India. 30mayank@gmail.com
authors.forename: Mayank
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Varun
authors.forename: Rohan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: D'Souza
authors.forename: João
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pratas
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Paul
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002104:Cadmium / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D029862:Prosopis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D012989:Soil Pollutants; D002104:Cadmium; D007854:Lead