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DECOMPOSITION FOR ASSESSING SIMULTANEOUS USE OF PLANTS FOR PHYTOREMEDIATION AND CARBON SEQUESTRATION **

Abstract

Certain plant species can hyperaccumulate heavy metals and are used to remediate contaminated sites. This study compares the hyperaccumulation potential of five plant species in soils contaminated with lead and copper. In addition, the study evaluates the ability of these plants to sequester carbon, which can help mitigate climate change. Soil and plant samples were collected from the field as contaminated sites. Using X-Ray Fluorescence, heavy metal concentrations were measured in the samples. Decomposition rates of plant biomass were indirectly measured using in-situ CO2 chambers and directly in the lab using decomposition chambers and CO2 sensors. These rates were used to compare carbon sequestration potential of the plants. Preliminary results showed Tithonia rotundifolia to have the greatest rates of decomposition while Typha domingensis had the lowest rates both in the field and in the lab. Tithonia rotundifolia leaves were found to have the highest amount of lead and copper accumulation while Lantana camara was second. This research will provide insights into the potential use of these plants for both heavy metal remediation and carbon sequestration in contaminated soils. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2107177.

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