Abstract
The potential translocation of heavy metals by Parthenium hysterophorus over 30 and 90 days and its effect on biomass, chlorophyll content and photosynthetic activity were studied on 0, 10, 25, 50 and 100% fly-ash-amended soil (FAS). The results showed a decrease in chlorophyll content and photosynthetic area on exposure to 50-100% FAS. Heavy metal reduction was in the order Pb>Cd>Zn>Fe>according to accumulation trends. The plant exhibited good biomass growth on exposure to 25-50% FAS, but this decreased at>100% FAS. Heavy metal concentrations in P. hysterophorus after 90 days of the experiment were in the order Fe>Zn>Cu>Pb>Cd>Ni. Parthenium hysterophorus was suitable for translocating Fe, Zn and Cu based on translocation factors (TF=1.5, 1.3 and 1.05), but was more efficient for Pb, Ni and Cd (TF=8.5, 4.3 and 3.3). Plant uptake of Pb, Ni and Cd was high, whereas translocation of Fe, Zn and Cu was poor. These results indicated that P. hysterophorus can efficiently reduce heavy metal pollution in soil.