The use of some halophytic plants to reduce Zn, Cu and Ni in soil

Use of halophyte species for heavy metal remediation is of particular interest since these plants are naturally present in soils characterized by excess of toxic ions, mainly sodium and chloride. In a pot experiment, three halophyte species viz. Sporobolus virginicus, Spartina patens (monocotyledons) andAtriplex nammularia (dicotyledon) were grown under two levels of heavy metals: 0 level and a combination of 25 mg Zn + 25 mg Cu + 25 mg Ni/ kg soil. The three species demonstrated high tolerance to heavy metal salts in terms of dry matter production. Sporobolus virginicus reduced Zn, Cu, and Ni in soil to reach a level not significantly different from that of the untreated control soil. Although Spartina patens significantly reduced levels of Zn and Cu but not Ni.On the other hand Atriplex nummularia failed to reduced Zn, Cu and Ni during the experimental period (two months). Only Sporobolus virginicus succeeded to translocate Zn and Cu from soil to the aerial parts of the plant.