| The phytoremediation of selected metals from Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) and copper contaminated soil and water by selected plants were studied. Chinese brake fern (Pteris vittata), Indian mustard ( Brassica juncea), duckweed (Lemna minor), and parrotfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) were used in the studies. CCA and copper were applied to contaminate the soil and water. The CCA contaminated soil studies showed accumulation of metals in Indian mustard roots. Results for copper contaminated soils showed accumulation of copper in the roots of Chinese brake fern and in the shoots and roots of Indian mustard. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs confirmed that CCA was damaging to plant tissues. SEM micrographs also showed copper damage to plant tissues was minor.;The hydroponic studies showed accumulation of metals by duckweed and parrotfeather. Duckweed accumulated approximately three times more metals than parrotfeather thus making duckweed a superior choice for the removal of copper, chromium, and arsenic. |
