Phytoremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons-contaminated soil using Desmodium incanum DC., Fabaceae

Resumen

The current research aimed to investigate both the tolerance and the phytoremediation potential of Desmodium incanum DC. on petroleum-contaminated soil. There were analyzed D. incanum seeds germination, surviving, growth and development cultivated at different contaminants concentrations as well as the pollutant degradation rate by gas chromatography and rhizosphere community. The experiment was carried out on a greenhouse containing non-contaminated soil (NCS), vegetated contaminated soil (VCS) and non-vegetated contaminated soil (NVCS) at the following petroleum concentrations (petroleum per of dry soil): 50 g kg-1 and 100 g kg-1. The experiments were performed during 90 days. The germination was more evident as it was observed higher petroleum concentrations. After 90 days, the surviving rate of the both groups 100%, and the soil samples were extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography. The VCS (100 g kg-1) group growth was reduced when compared to the NVCS (100 g kg-1). The petroleum influenced the morph anatomy and development of the plant. Significant increases in the total area, cortical and central cylinder of the roots in the contamination presence. The plant provided the development of larger amounts of microorganisms in the rhizosphere zone, and higher petroleum compounds degradation, confirming their potential phytoremediation for soils contaminated by petroleum.