EDTA COULD ENHANCE THE BIOACCUMULATION OF Pb AND Cd IN Ricinus communis FOR POTENTIAL DECONTAMINATION OF ROADSIDE SOILS

This study was performed to evaluate the phy-toremediation potential of Ricinus communis for lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) from the soil. The harvested plant samples were analyzed to determine the concentration of Pb and Cd in roots and shoots. Both of these metals had a negative impact on growth of R. communis (root and shoot length, root and shoot dry biomass, and root and shoot fresh weight). Leaf area, and chlorophyll contents got reduced by increased concentration of metals and EDTA. Calcium and potassium ions got reduced both in roots and shoots whereas the sodium ions increased with increasing concentration of Pb, Cd, and EDTA in soil compared to control. The concentration of lead and cadmium in the roots and shoots of the castor plant increased significantly with increasing metals and EDTA. This study identified that R. communis has good phytore-mediation potential and it can be used to decontaminate roadside soils that are rich in Pb and Cd metals.