A Brazilian Amazon Species with High Potential to Phytoextract Potential Toxic Elements

Abstract

The Euterpe oleracea Mart. has great importance in the neotropical forestry economy. Its berry is a product of great commercial value used extensively for human consumption. Most E. oleracea researches evaluate its food features, however, its potential use for phytoremediation and stipe use remains unknown. This research aimed to assess the seedling’s phytoextraction potential and the structural chemical composition in the seedlings and mature palm trees stipes. We used the Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis to determine the concentration of the chemical elements. E. oleracea seedlings showed a great phytoextraction potential for aluminum and iron. The aluminum seedlings concentration was four times higher than preconized as a hyperaccumulator species. Calcium concentration was lower than considered normal, which may represent an antagonism effect caused by the strong presence of aluminum and iron. The fast uptake and accumulation of the seedlings highlight the potential to use this species in phytoremediation programs.

Keywords:
Phytoremediation; Mineral nutrition; Chemical characterization; X-ray fluorescence