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Heavy metals accumulation in plants growing in ex tin mining catchment

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Abstract

The degree of contamination by heavy metals (arsenic, copper, lead, tin and zinc) in soil and transfer to plants has been studied. Specimens of plant species from five locations in an area of 10 × 10 m were sampled with their corresponding soils. Thirty six plant species including two shallow water aquatic plants were identified. Soil and plant specimens were analyzed by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. It was found that metal concentration in soil was highly variable while concentration of metals in plants directly depends on the concentration of metals it was rooted. Roots showed highest metal concentration followed by leaves, shoots and flowers. Bioconcentraion factor and translocation factor were calculated, representing Cyperus rotundus L. as a potential tin-hyperaccumulator plant, previously not reported in literature. Plant Species Imperata cylindrica, Lycopodium cernuum, Melastoma malabathricum, Mimosa pudica Linn, Nelumbo nucifera, Phragmites australis L., Pteris vittata L. and Salvinia molesta, were metal accumulator while Acacia podalyriaefolia G. Don, Bulb Vanisium, Dillenia reticulate King, Eugenia reinwardtiana, Evodia roxburghiania Hk. f. clarke, Gleichenia linearis, Grewia erythrocarpa Ridl., Manihot esculenta Crantz, Paspalum conjugatum Berguis, Passiflora suberosa, Saccharum officinarum, Stenochlaena palustris (Burm.) Bedd. and Vitis trifolia Linn. were tolerated plant species. All other studied plants were excluders. Identified plant species could be useful for revegetation and erosion control in metals contaminated ex-mining sites. Morphological changes such as reduction in size, change in color and deshaping have also been observed in plant species with high metal values.

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  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia

    M. A. Ashraf (Research Scholar) & M. J. Maah (Professor)

  2. Department of Geology, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia

    I. Yusoff (Associate Professor)

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  1. M. A. Ashraf
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Ashraf, M.A., Maah, M.J. & Yusoff, I. Heavy metals accumulation in plants growing in ex tin mining catchment. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. 8, 401–416 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03326227

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