Nature-Based and Sustainable Approaches for Soil Decontamination: Assessing the Phytoremediation Potential of Tagetes patula and Calendula officinalis for Lead and Cadmium Contaminated Soil
摘要
Soil contamination by toxic metals, notably lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), has become a pressing environmental challenge due to rapid industrialization, agricultural intensification, and urban expansion. Heavy metal pollution not only degrades soil quality but also poses severe risks to food security and human health. In Pakistan, environmental degradation costs approximately 6% of its GDP annually, disproportionately impacting vulnerable communities. Addressing soil contamination through sustainable and cost-effective remediation strategies is essential for restoring soil productivity and ecological balance. This study examines the phytoremediation potential of two ornamental plant species, Tagetes patula and Calendula officinalis, for Pb- and Cd-contaminated soils. A pot experiment was conducted over 10 weeks, exposing plants to varying concentrations of Pb (500–2000 mg/kg) and Cd (50–125 mg/kg). Results indicated that both species successfully accumulated Pb and Cd in their roots and shoots, varying metal uptake efficiency across treatment levels. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) exceeded 1 for both species, signifying their strong capacity for heavy metal absorption. Additionally, enrichment factor (EF) values were greater than 1 at higher Pb and Cd levels, further supporting their effectiveness in mitigating soil contamination. The findings underscore the viability of phytoremediation as an eco-friendly and sustainable approach for heavy metal remediation. Using ornamental plants for soil restoration offers a dual benefit of environmental remediation and aesthetic enhancement of contaminated sites. This chapter highlights the need for further research on optimizing plant-based remediation techniques and explores the potential for large-scale applications in polluted agricultural and industrial landscapes.