The efficacy of Salvinia molesta Mitch. and Marsilea crenata Presl. as phytoremediators of lead pollution

Abstract: This study focused on the absorption of lead (Pb) by two species of ferns, Salvinea molesta Mitch and Marsilea crenata Presl. The aim of this research was to describe the accumulation of lead in S. molesta and M. crenata roots and leaves, and in addition, to find whether these are accumulators or excluders. Both of these ferns were grown in a hydroponic system to which there was added Pb at 0, 5, 10, and 15 ppm concentration, exposed for 7 and 14 days. After the treatment, determination of the lead amounts in the roots and leaves used the AAS method and the RGR calculation. The data were analyzed by ANOVA using SPSS Program 16 edition. The results showed that the accumulation of lead was higher in the roots than the leaves. Both of the ferns had a bioconcentration factor of more than 1 and the factor of translocation was low, i.e., less than 1. It is concluded that S. molesta and M. crenata are appropriate species for phytoremediation, especially as excluders.