Heavy Metals and Ni Phytoextractionin in the Metallurgical Area Soils in Elbasan

The metallurgical complex of Elbasan represents a potential source of the heavy metal pollution, due to the industrial activity conducted before years 1990s. The study focuses in the metallurgical area “Ish-Uzina 12”, which today is used as agricultural land. The aim of this study was to determine the degree of soil contamination by Ni, Co, Pb, Cr and Zn, and to evaluate the phytoextraction potential of nickel hyperaccumulator Alyssum murale. The phytoextraction potential of A. murale is studied through its cultivation in different conditions. The experimental area is divided into three plots; the first in natural conditions, the second with chemical fertilizer Diammonium phosphate and the third with manure. This work showed that the concentrations of heavy metals in plots were respectively: in the first plot, the concentration of Ni was 610 mg/kg, Co 75 mg/kg, Cr 370 mg/kg and Zn 80 mg/kg; in the second Ni was 440 mg/kg, Co 120 mg/kg, Pb 165 mg/kg, Cr 310 mg/kg and Zn 75 mg/kg and in the third Ni was 410 mg/kg, Co 115 mg/kg, Pb 10 mg/kg, Cr 380 mg/kg and Zn 90 mg/kg. Phytoextracted Ni in total harvest reached respectively 1280.9 mg/kg on the first plot, 513.4 mg/kg on the second and 69.1 mg/kg on the third. Based on the results obtained it can be concluded that the soils of this area are contaminated by Nickel and A. murale is a candidate for phytoextraction.