Journal of Environmental Biology

Growth, biomass production and remediation of copper contamination

by Jatropha curcas plant in industrial wasteland soil

Author Details

S.V. Ghavri

Department of Environmental Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedker University, Raebareli Road,

Lucknow - 226 025, India

Rana P. Singh

(Corresponding author)

Department of Environmental Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedker University, Raebareli Road,

Lucknow - 226 025, India

e-mail: ranapsingh1@hotmail.com

Publication Data

Paper received:

28 August 2010

Revised received:

18 January 2011

Accepted:

05 February 2011

Abstract

The survival, biomass production and copper (Cu) remediation efficiency of Jatropha curcas L. was evaluated in Cu rich industrial wasteland soil (IWLS), collected from a local town, Sandila (Hardoi), Uttar Pradesh, India. The IWLS had high bulk density, water holding capacity (WHC), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon and NPK. The Cu and Mn contents in IWLS were about 3 and 2 fold higher than that in the normal field soil (control). Stem cuttings of the J. curcas clones (BTP-A, BTP-N and BTP-K) were planted in IWLS  as well as the same amended with cowdung or sand. The percent survival, net elongations and biomass accumulation of J. curcas were decreased slightly in IWLS, as compared to the control soil.  The translocation of Cu from soil to the plants was higher in IWLS grown plants, which was more pronounced in IWLS amended with cowdung. J. curcas clones BTP-N, showed better survival and Cu removal efficiency from IWLS.

Key words

Bioaccumulation, Copper toxicity, Industrial wasteland, Jatropha curcas

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