The potential of wild vegetation Eleusine indica L., and Sonchus arvensis
as agents of phytoremediation Cd contaminated soil
Amir Hamzah1*), Ricky Indri Hapsari1) dan Rossyda Priyadarshini2)
1)
2)
University of Tribhuwana Tunggadewi, Jl. Telaga Warna, Tlogomas Malang
University of Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur
Corresponding autor : [email protected]
Abstract
This research aims to know the potential of wild vegetation Eleusine indica and Sonchus arvensis as agent
phytoremediation Cd. This research was conducted descriptively in the field in subdistrict Pujon, Malang
Indonesia. Before planting, the soil analyzed first. Soil chemical analysis consist of pH (H2O), the C-organic
(Walkley and Black), N (Kjeldahl), (Walkey & Black), N-total (Kjedahl), P-total (olsen), K-total, CEC
(Ammonium Acetat pH 7.0). Heavy metals were analyzed the Cd using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry).
Descriptive experiments to test the ability of two type wild vegetation dominant grow i.e. Eleusine indica, L, and
Sonchus arvensis. Planting is done on experimental plots have been prepared. Observation of the plant was done
every week until the plant was three months. The parameters observed were the plant growth and concentration of
Cd in roots, stems and leaves. After the crop is harvested, the roots, stems, and leaves are collected separately, then
were analyzed for heavy metal content. The data were analyzed by descriptive to see the difference in growth and
uptake of heavy metals. The result show that the soil on site research has a low fertility rate. It is seen from the
each of the elements observed were N (0.11%), P (0.64 mgkg-1) and K (0.09 me/100 g). Cd heavy metal
contamination were detected in 2.39 mg kg-1. Two types of plants that are planted can grow well in soil that is
contaminated with cadmium.. Cd Accumulation higher in root than in header. Eleusine indica accumulate higher
Cd than Sonchus arvensis, as well as being able to reduce Cd respectively 76.11% and 74,78%.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Key words: Phytoremediation, heavy metal of Cd, Eleusine indica, Sonchus arvensis
Introduction
Pollution of farmland currently happens almost in all regions in Indonesia. On the island of Java in
particular, pollution intensity is high enough. This condition is triggered by the use of agrochemicals (fertilizers
and pesticides) is high. In 2002, intensive agricultural land area in Java, was reported have been contaminated with
Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn from fertilizer and pesticides. In the region of Brebes and Tegal, the content of Pb in soil has
crossed the threshold value (12.75 mg kg-1). Hamzah et al., (2016), the content of the Cd is detected in the town of
Batu of 2.26 mg kg-1. Pujon Malang district as one of horticultural production center will also need attention. The
intensity of land use and input materials to high agro-chemicals will trigger a high accumulation of heavy metals,
including Cd. This matter will be resolved soon if it does not interfere with the health of the land and the plant,
next to the human body.
The high content of heavy metals in the soil will influence biological processes in the soil. The process
refers to the process of decomposition of organic matter and low productivity of the land. The next impact is the
weathering process of N, P, S and C and other elements will be disrupted. This condition can cause plant growth is
compromised as well as the quality of the production decline. These problems can be done with the technology of
phytoremediation because it is considered the least expensive. The use of herbs for the phytoremediation is
getting attention at this time because the technology is cheap. Phytoremediation technology is the cheapest
technology of cleaning soil and water compared to other technologies (McMohan, 2000; Moosavi and Mohamd,
2013).
Research into the use of plants in the process of phytoremediation has been widely reported. This
technology works on inorganic or organic compounds, also known as eco-friendly technologies and aesthetic
nature. Beside that, it can reduce a large amount of contaminants (Kimenyu et al, 2009; Hamza et al, 2012; Sabeen
et al, 2013). Some other researchers have also been utilizing certain plant species for the purposes of
phytoremediation, such as Ipomoea aquatica (Bhaduri and Fulekar, 2012) and Medicago sativa (Wang et al.), and
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some other plant species. The advantages of this technology compared with other remediation technology is the
ability of absorption on the rizosfer to prevent the release of pollutants (Aremu et al, 1995). This research aims to
know the ability of two species of wild plants that dominant grow around agricultural land as an agent
phytoremediation Cd.
Materials and Methods
This research was conducted descriptively in the field in subdistrict Pujon, Malang Indonesia. Before
planting, the soil analyzed first. Soil chemical analysis consist of pH (H2O), the C-organic (Walkley and Black),
N (Kjeldahl), (Walkey & Black), N-total (Kjedahl), P-total (olsen), K-total, CEC (Ammonium Acetat pH 7.0).
Heavy metals were analyzed the Cd using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry).Soil samples were taken
randomly at some point. Location of sampling was the location used for the production of onions and vegetables
such as carrots and potatoes. Soil samples were taken at a depth of 10 cm and composite. The soil samples were
analyzed nutrient and heavy metal contamination.
Descriptive experiments to test the ability of two type wild plants as phytoremediation Cd. Both of these
plants is the dominant of wild plants grow around the farmland. The plant is Eleusine indica, L, and Sonchus
arvensis which is often found in district of Malang Pujon. The plants, then planted in swaths of the experiments
had been prepared. Observation of the plant was done every week until the plant was three months. The
parameters observed were the plant growth and concentration of Cd in roots, stems and leaves. After the crop is
harvested, the roots, stems, and leaves are collected separately. Plant samples were then washed with distilled
water to remove soil and put into oven at a temperature of 6o0C for 72 hours. Dried plant samples were then
analyzed the Cd to determine the content of heavy metals using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer).
The total concentration of Cd in soil and plant samples were analyzed according to the methods
developed by AOAC (1990). Dry soil and plant samples (1.00 g for each sample) was added to the digestive tube
with 1 ml of concentrated nitric acid (HNO3) and 5 ml of 70% perchloric acid (HClO4) and leave overnight. Then
the sample is heated at 100 ° C for 1 hour 30 minutes and after increased to 130°C for 1 hour. The temperature for
the digestion of both increased to 150 ° C for 2 hours 30 minutes (or until all the yellow steam is exhausted). After
all the yellow steam exhausted, the temperature is then raised again to 170 ° C for 1 hour. The final temperature
for the digestion of the sample is 200 ° C for 1 hour (steam white formed). Sample digestion was complete when a
white precipitate was formed and 1 ml of a clear solution. After digestion, the sample is filled with distilled water
up to the 10 ml and then filtered through a MM 640 W Whatman filter paper . Analysis for the total concentration
of Cd from each extract is done with AAS (SSA) with various Cd standard solutions as a comparison.
Results and Discussion
Soil Characteristics and Heavy Metal Contamination
The beginning results of soil analysis on soil chemical properties are presented in Table 1. In general the
chemical properties of the soil has a low fertility rate. Some chemical elements analyzed include pH (6, 18), the Corganic (1,86), N (0.11), P (0.64), K (0.09), and CEC (20, 29). The low of C-organic and CEC indicates soil
fertility in the area is also low. It is inversely proportional to the results of the analysis of heavy metals content.
Heavy metal content of the Cd were analyzed has passed a threshold value (2.39) mg kg-1 (table 1).
Table 1. Soil analysis results
pH
C-org
(H2O)
(%)
Elements
6,18
1,86
N-total
(%)
0,11
P-olsen
(mg kg-1)
0.64
K
(mg/100g)
0,09
CEC
(me/100g)
20,29
Cd
(mg kg-1)
2,39
The high content of heavy was obtained supposedly derived from fertilizer and pesticide residues that
have accumulated in the long term. Accumulation of phosphate used in the long term will lead to the formation of
Cd element. The normal amount of cadmium in the soil is below 1 mg kg -1. Naturally heavy metal Cd average
implies only 0.4 mg kg-1, but the figures obtained in this study of 2.39 mg kg-1. This indicates that soil research
location is above a threshold value. Fertilizer given to plants generally only absorbed about 1-5%. The remaining
residue will form and become toxic to the plant.
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The heavy metal of Cd is more easily absorbed by plants compared to other heavy metals such as lead.
Cd heavy metal content in soil has been reported in the area of Sargodha Pakistan has also reached 6.74 mg kg-1
(Mohammed, 2011). This heavy metal lead and mercury are joined together as the big three heavy metal that has a
high level of human health hazards (Widaningrum et al., 2007). Waseem et al, (2014), Cadmium is one type of
heavy metals are considered as xenobiotik because it has a minimalist role nearly so useful in the body, even very
dangerous because it involves toxic metals and harmful to animals including humans and plants
The location where the research is mainly horticulture vegetable production center with a high intensity
of fertilizer use. The high use of fertilizers, primarily phosphate contribute greatly to the pollution of the Cd.
Tresnawati at al, (2014), plants are often fertilized with phosphate (SP-36 and NPK) in a prolonged period of time
can trigger accumulation of Cd in the soil. The results of measurement of heavy metal content of the Cd has
reached 4.22 mg kg-1, which means it has exceeded the allowable threshold. The threshold value of cadmium in
soils below 2 mg kg-1 (Abdurachman, 2003), while according to Alloway (1995) critical limits of Cd in soils of 3
mg kg-1. The normal amount of cadmium in the soil should be below of 1 mg kg-1 (Nopriani, 2011). In addition to
phosphate pesticide use, especially fungicides also can raise the metal cadmium in the soil. Lahuddin (2007),
pesticides used also contains 0,018 ppm of cadmium metal, rock fosforit may contain 0-500 mg kg-1 metal
cadmium (Cd).. This show that some areas of agricultural production centers in Indonesia it's time to watch due to
the heavy metal contamination
Plant Growth Remediator
Eleusine indica
Sonchus arvensis
40.00
35.00
30.00
25.00
20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00
-
Eleusine indica
Sonchus arvensis
14.00
Number of leaves
Plant height (Cm)
The research results showed that the two types of plants grown in contaminated soil Cd was able to grow
well. The observations of plant height and number of tillers both types of plants grown remediator is presented in
Figure 1.
12.00
10.00
8.00
6.00
4.00
2.00
-
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0
1
2
3
Week)
4
5
6
7
8
9 10
Week
Figure 1. The high growth of the plant and the number of tillers
The results show that plant Eleusine indica, and Sonchus arvensis planted was able to grow well in soil that is
contaminated with cadmium. The development of plant growth seen in the period from the time of planting to the
parameters plant height and number of tillers (Figure 1). But separately that plants showed a number tillers of
Eleusine indica. These difference are associated with each plant character. Eleusine indica is a plant species that
have high adaptability. The plant has a height of between 12 – 85 cm. Have a number of tillers and rooting massif
so strengthened growth.
The test results tolerance capabilities grow two species tested (Eleusine indica and Sonchus arvensis)
exhibit a high tolerance to Cd contaminated soil. This proved of no inhibition of plant growth as well as physical
damage that showed symptoms of poisoning. Plant growth usually reflected by the increase of biomass crops
including dry weight of roots and canopy. The existence of heavy metals cadmium (Cd) in the soil at high
concentration exceeds a threshold generally can inhibit plant growth. Plants that are genetically have the ability
have tolerated and adapting to the metal element in the high ground to survive in the area. Certain plants included
in the accumulator developed some effective mechanisms to tolerant of high levels of metals in the soil.
The results of the observation in the growth of the root length and root weight on two types of plants are
presented in Figure 2. Based on Figure 2, the growth of the root length and root weight, the highest produced by
Eleucina indica. Both plants were tested (Eleucina indica and Sonchus arvensis), seen almost no difference in root
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length parameter which is about 24-60 cm. Similarly, on the root weight look heavy indica root, Eleucina indica
average of 10.11 g/plant, while Sonchus arvensis amounted to 8.20 g/plant. This shows the difference type
morphology Eleucina indica as plants more grass roots than producing plant Sonchus arvensis in the broad-leaved
plants. Morphological differences of each plant will have an effect on the ability of tolerance in the absorption of
elements. A high tolerance trait typically have the ability of accumulate heavy metals. Heavy metal are absorbed
in the high amount subsequently translocated to the roots, stems and leaves. Alberto and Sigua (2013), in general
success of phytoremediation technology, depending on several factors. First, the plant should produce enough
biomass as well as absorb high heavy metals. Second, plants grown should be responsive towards heavy metal
accumulation in the plant tissue.
30.00
Eleusine…
20.00
10.00
-
Root length
root weight
Figure 2. Root length and root weight plants remediator
In some cases, increased biomass will decrease the total concentration of metals in plant tissues, but
allows for a larger amount of metal to be accumulated as a whole. Plants that have good genetic capacity to be able
to grow and accumulate heavy metals. Certain types of plants will be able to maintain the ability of heavy metal
accumulation through absorption and precipitation (Alberto and Sigua, 2013). In this experiment show that both
plants are planted relative similar, but separately Eluicina indica higher than Sonchus arvensis. Eluicina indica
categorized graminea family has more ability than compared with Sonchus arvensis. The result show both of plant
are very tolerant plants in the area. The ability of high tolerant will affect in absorbing heavy metals.
Accumulation and reduction of heavy metal Cd
The results show that phytoremediation and accumulation of Cadmium (Cd) two types of plants
(Eleusine indica l., and Sonchus arvensis) harvested at 3 months after planting are presented in Figure 3. Cd levels
were obtained between 0.6 – 1.9 mg kg-1 accumulated at the root and canopy. Accumulation of Cd in the canopy
and the roots of Eleusine indica is found in the highest versus Sonchus arvensis. This shows the Eleusine indica
plant that is plants that have the ability of living high tolerance so that it is able to accumulate higher heavy metals
of Cd.
Eleusine…
Accumulation Cd
(mg/kg)
1.20
1.00
0.80
0.60
0.40
0.20
0.00
canopy
root
Figure 3. Accumulation Cd on the canopy plant and the root
The ability of plants accumulate heavy metals certainly has potential as an agent phytoremediation.
Translocation system elements from the roots to the canopy of plants is evidenced by the ratio of the
concentration of heavy metals in canopy and roots of the hiperaccumulator plants more than one (Gabbrielli et al.,
1991). However,in this experiment the ratio of root plant on both of plants smaller than 1. This indicates that both
plants is not a hiperaccumulator plants but a category of plants plants remediator. Root plant ratio difference at all
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plants showed the difference in the mechanism of each plant species to translocate of heavy metals cadmium from
the roots to the heading.
Plants develop some effective mechanisms to tolerant of high levels of metals in the soil. Accumulator
plant did not prevent metals get into roots but develop specific mechanisms to do a detox heavy metals containing
high on the soil with accumulate in the cell. This mechanism allows the bioaccumulation of metals in high
concentrations. High accumulation in plants reflects the high concentration of metals in rizosfer. Patra and Sarma
(2000), there is a link between the level of heavy metal contamination in the soil with absorbing by plants.
Elevated levels of cadmium in the soil will give an impact on increasing the uptake of cadmium by plants that are
accumulated in the roots or canopies. Accumulation occurs because there is a tendency of heavy metals to form
complexes with inorganic substances found in the body of the organism.
This research show that the two plants accumulated more Cd in the roots than in the canopy. Eleusine
indica plants accumulate cd higher than Sonchus arvensis. Each difference is due to differing root system (Figure
4).
Figure 4. Eleusine indica rooting system and Sonchus arvensis
Eleusine indica rooting in addition to having a rooting massif system also have ability to phytoextaction.
In the process of phytoextaction, heavy metals absorbed by plant roots and translocated into the canopy to be
processed or disposed when the plants are harvested. Adaptation of plants when the accumulation of metal
covered in metal absorption by rooting systems, metal translocation from roots to shoots, and tolerance of metal
accumulation in leaf through sequester and detoxification of metals.
Physiology and Molecular character is what determines the level of accumulation of heavy metals which
are metal transporter in plants (Tian et al., 2009; Oomen et al., 2009). The high content of heavy metal-Cd in this
research need to be axamined, given with Ni and Zn is a heavy metal that is most adsorbed at the end. As a result
the Cd more readily available to plants as compared to other heavy metals, such as Cu, Pb and Cr (Gomes, et al.,
2001). This means that the plant is easier to absorb than other metals such as Cd Pb, because the Cd is bound by a
weak soil. Furthermore, Cd absorbed by the roots, generally accumulate in the root. However on the vegetables
crops such as lettuce (Lactuca sativa l.) Cd more accumulating in the leaves.
Overall showed that the two plants that were planted were able to reduce heavy metal Cd each Eleusine
indica and Sonchus arvensis amounted to 57.11% of 35.84% (Figure 6).
Reduction Cd (%)
60.00
50.00
40.00
30.00
20.00
5
10.00
-
Eleusine indicaSonchus arvensis
Figure 6. Percentage of Cd reduction on each plant
The picture above shows that both plants were planted were able to reduce heavy metal Cd quite high.
This shows that both of these plants can be made as an agent phytoremediation Cd. The high ability to absorb
heavy metals associated with the root massive system. The plants that have a root massive system capable of
reducing heavy metals, including Cd. Alberto and Sigua (2013), plants that are able to decontaminate
contaminated soil has some characters are: 1) the occurrence of plant uptake from soil or fluid that contaminated to
the root, 2) bind the contaminants into the tissues of plants, and 3) carries contaminants from the root to the top of
the plant as well as prevent or inhibit the contaminants from the soil.
Conclusion
Land of the experiment sites in the district Pujon Malang regency, Indonesia has a low fertility rate that is
N (0.11%), P (0.64 mgkg-1) and K (0.09 me/100 g), while heavy metal impurities Cd of 2.39 mg kg-1. Two types
of plants grown was able to grow well in soil that is contaminated Cd. Cd Accumulation more higher in a root,
than in canopy plant. Eleusine indica accumulate higher Cd than Sonchus arvensis, as well as being able to reduce
their respective Cd 57.11% and 35,84%.
Acknowledgement
The author gratefully acknowledgement to the Directorate of research and community services (DRPM) Ministry of
research, technology and higher education. This research was funded from the Research Grants Scheme Compete (PHB) years
2016, facilitated by research institutions and public service University of Tribhuwana Tunggadewi, Malang.
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