Phytoremediation of iron from red soil by Ipomoea aquatica

The presence of excessive heavy metal in soil has gained attention from public as it
will accelerate human health issues and threaten the environment. Phytoremediation
technique is more conducive and preferable technique in terms of monetary and
effectivity. Mining activities in Kelantan surge up the iron contamination in soil, water
and air. In this study, the potential of Ipomoea aquatica as iron hyperaccumulator has
been investigated. The phytoremediation mechanism of Ipomoea aquatica were
analysed by screening the amount of iron (Fe) accumulated in the leaf, shoot and root
of Ipomoea aquatica plant via X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technique. The independent
variable in this study was the iron (Fe) concentration levels induced on red soil,
ranging from 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg to 200 mg/kg. After 40 days of
exposure, the plants were harvested and segment accordingly for analysis. Results
showed the maximum iron (Fe) accumulation (266.0 ± 4.770 mg/kg) was found on
concentration level 150 mg/kg. Where the amount of iron (Fe) found in the root was
158.0 ± 6.083 mg/kg, followed by leaf (71.3 ± 2.443 mg/kg) and shoot (36.7 ± 1.572
mg/kg) [root > leaf > shoot]. There was a strong correlation between soil pH, organic
matter, temperature and soil texture to the bioavailability of iron (Fe) in soil for plant
uptake. Therefore, the above statements prove that Ipomoea aquatica which has
phytoremediation characteristics could reduce the iron (Fe) contamination level in soil.
Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) and Translocation Factor (TF) values also show vital
relationship to the phytoremediation ability of Ipomoea aquatica. Based on the BCF
and TF values, Ipomoea aquatica sh ows a great potential as iron (Fe)
hyperaccumulator in applying phytoextraction and phytostabilization mechanisms.