Native desert plants have the potential for phytoremediation of phytotoxic metals in urban cities: implications for cities sustainability in arid environments

Arid regions can benefit from using native desert plants, which require minimal freshwater and can aid in remediating soil phytotoxic metals (PTMs) from traffic emissions. In this study, we assessed the ability of three native desert plants— Pennisetum divisum, Tetraena qatarensis , and Brassica tournefortii —to accumulate phytotoxic metals (PTMs) in their different plant organs, including leaves, stems, and roots/rhizomes. The PTMs were analyzed in soil and plant samples collected from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The results indicated significantly higher levels of PTMs on the soil surface than the subsurface layer. Brassica exhibited the highest concentrations of Fe and Zn, measuring 566.7 and 262.8 mg kg −1 , respectively, while Tetraena accumulated the highest concentration of Sr (1676.9 mg kg −1 ) in their stems. In contrast, Pennisetum recorded the lowest concentration of Sr (21.0 mg kg −1 ), while Tetraena exhibited the lowest concentrations of Fe and Zn (22.5 and 30.1 mg kg −1 ) in their leaves. The roots of Pennisetum , Brassica , and Tetraena demonstrated the potential to accumulate Zn from the soil, with concentration factors (CF) of 1.75, 1.09, and 1.09, respectively. Moreover, Brassica exhibited the highest CF for Sr, measuring 2.34. Pennisetum , however, could not translocate PTMs from its rhizomes to other plant organs, as indicated by a translocation factor (TF) of 1. In contrast, Brassica effectively translocated the studied PTMs from its roots to the stem and leaves (except for Sr in the leaves). Furthermore, Pennisetum exclusively absorbed Zn from the soil into its leaves and stems, with an enrichment factor (EF) greater than 1. Brassica showed the ability to uptake the studied PTMs in its stem and leaves (except for Fe), while Tetraena primarily absorbed Sr and Zn into its stems. Based on the CF and TF results, Pennisetum appears to be a suitable species for phytostabilization of both Fe and Zn, while Brassica is well-suited for Sr and Zn polluted soils. Tetraena shows potential for Zn phytoremediation. These findings suggest that these plants are suitable for PTMs phytoextraction. Furthermore, based on the EF results, these plants can efficiently sequester PTMs.