Journal of Environmental Biology

Phytostabilization of mine waste : Growth and physiological responses  of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.

 

Shruti Kshirsagar and N.C. Aery*

*ncaery@yahoo.com

Laboratory of Geobotany and Biogeochemistry, Department of Botany, University College of Science,

M.L. Sukhadia University, Udaipur-313001, India

(Received: July 21, 2005 ; Revised received: November 10, 2005 ; Accepted: January 17, 2006)

Abstract: Greenhouse experiments were carried out for phytoremediation of the Pb/Zn abandoned tailings (pH 3.2 and high metal content) of Rampura-Agucha Mines, Rajasthan. Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (cowpea) was chosen as a test crop. On unamended tailings, the seeds of the test plant showed no germination. The tailing was amended with lime (3% on weight basis), 3% lime + NPK (diammonium phosphate @ 60kg/ha, muriate of potash @ 40kg/ha) and 3% lime + FYM @ 15 t/ha and used for experiments. Quantification of various parameters viz. shoot-root length, shoot-root dry weight, chlorophyll contents (‘a’, ‘b’ and total) and peroxidase activity of test crop revealed T + S + 3% lime + NPK to be the most suitable amelioration followed by FYM. The above treatments helped in improving the growth and productivity of the test plants by providing a favorable environment.

Key words:   Mine tailings, Phytoremediation, Amendments, Zn/Pb/Cd, Growth, Physiology

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