Selection of suitable plants

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 126 views

Reduction of Lead Accumulation (Pb) by Utilizing Arbuscular Mycorrhiza and Starfruit Bilimbi (Anthocephalus Cadamba) Petai (Parkia Speciosa)

Introduction

Soil pollution by lead (Pb) is a serious problem that poses a significant threat to human health and the environment. The accumulation of Pb in the soil can have devastating effects on ecosystems and human populations, making it essential to find effective solutions to mitigate this issue. One promising approach is the use of arbuscular mycorrhiza (MA), a symbiotic fungus that forms relationships with plant roots, to enhance Pb absorption in plants. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of MA in reducing Pb accumulation in plants and identify the most suitable plants for phytoremediation.

Background

Soil pollution by Pb is a widespread problem that affects millions of people worldwide. The use of Pb in various industrial applications, such as mining, smelting, and manufacturing, has led to the contamination of soil and water sources. The accumulation of Pb in the soil can have severe consequences, including the degradation of ecosystems, the contamination of food chains, and the impairment of human health. Therefore, finding effective solutions to mitigate Pb pollution is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of both humans and the environment.

Arbuscular Mycorrhiza: A Key to Overcome Lead Accumulation in Plants

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (MA) is a type of symbiotic fungus that forms relationships with plant roots, providing essential nutrients and water to the plant in exchange for carbohydrates. This mutualistic relationship can enhance the plant's ability to absorb Pb from the soil, making MA a promising tool for phytoremediation. The use of MA has been shown to increase Pb absorption in plants, reduce Pb toxicity, and promote plant growth. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effectiveness of MA in reducing Pb accumulation in plants and identify the most suitable plants for phytoremediation.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted at the Laboratory of Soil Biology and Central Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra. Three types of plants, namely starfruit wuluh (Averrhoa bilimbi), jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba), and petai (Parkia speciosa), were used in this study. The researchers conducted trials with four doses of MA (0 g/seeds, 10 g/seeds, 20 g/seeds, and 30 g/seeds) to investigate the effect of MA on Pb absorption in plants.

Results

The results of this study showed that the administration of MA had a significant effect on the accumulation of Pb in all plants. The optimal dose of MA for Pb absorption was found to be 10 g/seedlings. Among the three types of plants studied, jabon was proven to be the most effective in absorbing Pb. The highest Pb accumulation was found in the root of the starfruit (52.38 mg/kg), while in the stems and leaves, the highest Pb accumulation was found in jabon (32.7 mg/kg and 16.49 mg/kg). The highest Pb absorption efficiency was also found in jabon (13.06%), while starfruit wuluh showed the lowest Pb absorption efficiency (8.6%).

Discussion

The results of this study provide strong evidence of the potential of MA as a bioremediator to overcome Pb pollution in the soil. The use of MA with optimal doses can help increase the absorption of Pb in plants, especially jabon, which shows extraordinary ability to absorb and translocate Pb from the soil to parts of the plant. This study also highlights the importance of selecting the most suitable plants for phytoremediation. The use of jabon, which has been shown to be effective in absorbing Pb, can be an effective and environmentally friendly solution to overcome the problem of Pb pollution in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of MA in reducing Pb accumulation in plants and identifies the most suitable plants for phytoremediation. The use of MA with optimal doses can help increase the absorption of Pb in plants, especially jabon, which shows extraordinary ability to absorb and translocate Pb from the soil to parts of the plant. This study provides important information for efforts to manage Pb-polluted land and highlights the potential of MA as a bioremediator to overcome Pb pollution in the soil.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further research: Further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of MA in reducing Pb accumulation in plants and to identify the most suitable plants for phytoremediation.
Large-scale application: Large-scale application of MA in Pb-polluted areas is recommended to assess its effectiveness in reducing Pb accumulation in the soil.
Selection of suitable plants: The selection of suitable plants for phytoremediation is crucial for the success of this approach. Jabon, which has been shown to be effective in absorbing Pb, can be a suitable plant for phytoremediation.
Optimization of MA doses: The optimization of MA doses is essential for maximizing Pb absorption in plants. The optimal dose of MA for Pb absorption was found to be 10 g/seedlings in this study.

Limitations

This study has several limitations that need to be addressed in future research:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study was small, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
Limited plant species: Only three types of plants were used in this study, which may limit the applicability of the results to other plant species.
Limited MA doses: Only four doses of MA were used in this study, which may limit the understanding of the optimal dose of MA for Pb absorption.

Future Directions

Future research should focus on addressing the limitations of this study and exploring the potential of MA in reducing Pb accumulation in plants. Some potential future directions include:

Large-scale application: Large-scale application of MA in Pb-polluted areas is recommended to assess its effectiveness in reducing Pb accumulation in the soil.
Selection of suitable plants: The selection of suitable plants for phytoremediation is crucial for the success of this approach. Further research is needed to identify the most suitable plants for phytoremediation.
Optimization of MA doses: The optimization of MA doses is essential for maximizing Pb absorption in plants. Further research is needed to determine the optimal dose of MA for Pb absorption.
Mechanisms of MA: The mechanisms of MA in reducing Pb accumulation in plants need to be further investigated to understand the underlying processes.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the effectiveness of arbuscular mycorrhiza (MA) in reducing lead accumulation (Pb) in plants. This study aimed to investigate the potential of MA in overcoming Pb pollution in the soil and identify the most suitable plants for phytoremediation. In this Q&A article, we will address some of the frequently asked questions related to this study.

Q: What is arbuscular mycorrhiza (MA)?

A: Arbuscular mycorrhiza (MA) is a type of symbiotic fungus that forms relationships with plant roots, providing essential nutrients and water to the plant in exchange for carbohydrates. This mutualistic relationship can enhance the plant's ability to absorb Pb from the soil, making MA a promising tool for phytoremediation.

Q: How does MA reduce Pb accumulation in plants?

A: MA reduces Pb accumulation in plants by forming a symbiotic relationship with the plant roots, which allows the fungus to absorb Pb from the soil and transfer it to the plant. This process can help reduce the amount of Pb in the soil and prevent its accumulation in the plant.

Q: Which plants are most effective in absorbing Pb?

A: The results of this study showed that jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba) is the most effective plant in absorbing Pb, followed by starfruit wuluh (Averrhoa bilimbi) and petai (Parkia speciosa). However, further research is needed to identify the most suitable plants for phytoremediation.

Q: What is the optimal dose of MA for Pb absorption?

A: The optimal dose of MA for Pb absorption was found to be 10 g/seedlings in this study. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal dose of MA for Pb absorption in different plant species.

Q: Can MA be used to remediate Pb-polluted soil?

A: Yes, MA can be used to remediate Pb-polluted soil. The use of MA with optimal doses can help increase the absorption of Pb in plants, especially jabon, which shows extraordinary ability to absorb and translocate Pb from the soil to parts of the plant.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a small sample size, limited plant species, and limited MA doses. Further research is needed to address these limitations and explore the potential of MA in reducing Pb accumulation in plants.

Q: What are the future directions for this research?

A: Future research should focus on addressing the limitations of this study and exploring the potential of MA in reducing Pb accumulation in plants. Some potential future directions include large-scale application of MA in Pb-polluted areas, selection of suitable plants for phytoremediation, optimization of MA doses, and mechanisms of MA.

Q: Can MA be used in combination with other remediation techniques?

A: Yes, MA can be used in combination with other remediation techniques, such as phytoremediation, bioremediation, and chemical remediation. The use of MA in combination with other remediation techniques can help enhance the effectiveness of Pb remediation.

Q: What are the potential applications of MA in Pb remediation?

A: The potential applications of MA in Pb remediation include:

Phytoremediation: MA can be used to enhance Pb absorption in plants, which can help reduce Pb accumulation in the soil.
Bioremediation: MA can be used to enhance Pb degradation in the soil, which can help reduce Pb accumulation in the soil.
Chemical remediation: MA can be used in combination with chemical remediation techniques to enhance Pb removal from the soil.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Q&A article addresses some of the frequently asked questions related to the effectiveness of arbuscular mycorrhiza (MA) in reducing lead accumulation (Pb) in plants. The use of MA with optimal doses can help increase the absorption of Pb in plants, especially jabon, which shows extraordinary ability to absorb and translocate Pb from the soil to parts of the plant. This study provides important information for efforts to manage Pb-polluted land and highlights the potential of MA as a bioremediator to overcome Pb pollution in the soil.