Heavy metal phytoremediation potential of Brassica chinesis (Pechay)

In order to make the environment healthier for human beings, contaminated water bodies and land need to be cleansed to make them free from heavy metals and trace elements. This study aimed to determine the heavy metal phytoremediation potential of Brassica chinesis (pechay). This study used a completely randomized experimental research design and was conducted at PengueRuyu Tuguegarao City from June 21, 2017 to October 6, 2017. The plant was cultivated in a hydroponics system. Three hydroponics solutions were prepared namely the control, hydroponics solution spiked with cadmium and the hydroponics solution spiked with lead. The plants were grown in these hydroponics solution for ninety days. After which, the concentration of the heavy metals in the hydroponics solution, roots and shoot system of the plant was determined with the use of Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer at the Department of Science and Technology [DOST]Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory Regional Office 2 in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. The phytoremediation potential of Brassica chinesis were described in terms of the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF).Results of this study revealed that Brassica chinesis is a potential metal excluder for lead where most of the heavy metals are deposited at the roots of the plant. Moreover, it has also the phytoremediation potential as shown by its high value of BCF and low value of TF. Lastly, it was found out that the plant is a potential phytoremediator both for cadmium and lead.