Chiang Mai Journal of Science

Removal of heavy metals from soil and water by plants (Phytoremediation) has appeared as a promising cost-effective technology. Nine plant species such as Cyperus rotundus L., Imperata cylindrica, Lycopodium cernuum, Melastoma malabathricum, Mimosa pudica Linn, Nelumbo nucifera, Phragmites australis L., Pteris vittata L. and Salvinia molesta, were selected according to previous studies on these plant species conducted by author. These plant species analysed to assess the phytoextraxtion potential for remediation of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As) and tin (Sn) from contaminated tin tailings. Results showed that Cyperus rotundus L., accumulated 658 mg kg^-1, Imperata cylindrica accumulated 245 mg kg^-1, Nelumbo nucifera accumulated 288 mg kg^-1, Phragmites australis L., accumulated 345 mg kg^-1 and Pteris vittata L. accumulated 278 mg kg^-1 (dry weight) with bioconcentration factors up to 0.40, 0.32, 0.57, 0.71 and .65, respectively. The phytoextraction rates of Cyperus rotundus L. (86%) for Sn, Imperata cylindrica (42%) for Zn, Nelumbo nucifera (56%) for As, Phragmites australis L.(49%) for Cu and Pteris vittata L. (31%) for Pb, were recorded. It can be concluded that candidate plant species could successfully be used for phytoremediation of mining tin tailings in Peninsular Malaysia.