Heavy Metal Accumulation by Plant Species at Fly-Ash Dumpsites: Thermal Power Plant, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Abstract

Naturally growing wild plant species were identified for accumulation of heavy metals at fly ash different disposal sites of Thermal Power Plant Gandhinagar. Cd, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb and Cr metals were selected for studying accumulation by indigenous plants. Nine major weed species growing dominantly at fly ash dumpsite were identified i.e. Prosopis juliflora, Ipomea carnea, Calotropis procana, Nerium indicum, Abutilon indicum, Tephrosia purpunea, Cassia tora, Parthenium hysterphorus, Jatropha gossypifolia. Results showed significant accumulation of fly ash heavy metals by indigenous identified plants positive pattern of accumulation differed significantly in different weed species. Roots showed higher accumulation of heavy metals as compared with shoot in most of the plants but in some shoots also showed more accumulation compared to roots. Both translocation factor and bioaccumulation factor was calculated to determine metal translocation from site to roots and from root to shoot. Current results suggest that these plants species can effectively survive in harsh environment and can be used for eco-restoration purpose and also they can be used as potential phytoremediation species.