Jatropha curcas L. for phytoremediation of lead and cadmium polluted soil.

Abstract: Jatropha was investigated for its capacity to remediate cadmium and lead polluted soil in greenhaouse conditons. Various levels of single and mixed pollutants were exposed to the plant for more than one month. Range finding test was performed in order to find out the pollutant level that could be remediated. It was found that the initial concentration of lead and cadmium was about 50 mg/Kg soil without adverse effect on plant. Effect concentration fifty (EC-50) identified that cadmium was more toxic (EC-50 of 10 mg/Kg soil) than lead (EC-50 of 20 mg/Kg soil) on plant dry matter. In the presence of both pollutant, no adverse effect on plant dry matter was found that might be due to synergic effect of lead. Key words: Jatropha • cadmium • lead • plant dry matter