IMPACT OF SENNA OBTUSFOLIA ON THE PHYTOREMEDIATION OF HEAVY METALS FROM CONTAMINATED SOILS OBTAINED BESIDE FEDERAL COLLAGE OF EDUCATION KATSINA, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the heavy metals accumulation in the stems, leaves and roots of S. obtusfolia (Sicklepod). Pot experiment was conducted to quantify phytoextraction ability of this plant for some heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn) in contaminated soils obtained beside FCE Katsina. The concentrations of heavy metals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results shows that mean concentrations of metals in the polluted and control soils ranged from 0.03±0.02 to 61.85±0.98 mg/kg. The amount of Fe (61.85±0.98 mg/kg) detected was highest while Cd (0.03±0.02 mg/kg) displayed the least amount. The mean levels of heavy metals accumulation evaluated in S. obtusfolia showed a higher amount of Fe (57.56 mg/kg) with the least amount of Cd (0.02 mg/kg) which follows the order Fe>Zn>Cu>Pb >Cd. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) was found to be greater than one in most cases, thus signifying that the plant have the ability for metal uptake, and indicates it’s
suitability for phytoextraction.