Phytoextraction is an important technique used for decontamination of areas polluted by heavy metals. Consequently, understanding the physiological responses in relation to the tolerance of tropical species subjected to increasing levels of contamination is fundamental before considering their use as phytoextractans in contaminated areas. The objective of our study was to assess the potential of Canavalia ensiformes L. for the phytoextraction of lead (Pb). Plants were cultivated with nutrient solution in greenhouse under partially controlled conditions. Pb was tested at concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 µmol.L-1. The experimental set-up was a randomized blocks design, using a 4 x 1 factorial scheme, with three replicates. Follow-ups of physiological symptoms were carried out, determining fresh and dried mass for shoot and root, leaf area, plant height, Pb content in nutrient solution and in roots and shoot of the plants. The samples of shoot and roots and of the nutrient solution were submitted to chemical analysis for the determination of Pb, using dry digestion. The Canavalia ensiformes plants proved to be both accumulators and tolerant to Pb, demonstrating their potential as a phytoextractants.
phytoremediation; heavy metal; hydroponic system
