Removal of Lead, Cadmium, and Mercury in Monometallic and Trimetallic Aqueous Systems Using Chenopodium album L

The presence of heavy metals in water represents a risk to the life of all species on the planet. Phytoremediation is an effective alternative to remove heavy metals from contaminated aqueous environments. In the present research, L. was examined for the remediation of waters contaminated with Cd, Pb, and Hg. Studies were carried out in waters containing each metal separately (monometallic aqueous systems) and in mixtures (trimetallic aqueous systems). First, the adaptation of to different concentrations of Hoagland's nutrient solution (HNS) was evaluated, then, a phytotoxicity study was carried out to determine the appropriate concentrations of each metal to test the tolerance of the plant during the accumulation study, and finally, the bioaccumulation capacity of for Cd, Pb, and Hg was evaluated. showed tolerance to levels of 5 mg/L Hg and 10 mg/L Cd and Pb in 25% HNS. The bioaccumulation tests showed that can remediate Cd, Pb, and Hg contaminated waters in both monometallic and trimetallic aqueous systems. These findings suggest important future applications in the food industry for the production of as we demonstrate that this species adapts and grows in hydroponic media. In particular, the ability of to adapt to extreme conditions could be exploited for further studies on phytoremediation of heavy metals in river water, irrigation water, wastewater, effluents, and mine tailings.