Potential bioaccumulator of heavy metals for phytoremediation as an alternative for the recovery of the forest landscape in a mining extraction area, Napo, Ecuador

Abstract

IIn the Ecuadorian Amazon, the challenges for identifying, phytoremediation species that reduce heavy metal contamination resulting from mining activity are increasing every day. The objective of this work was to evaluate the bioaccumulator potential of heavy metals of three fast-growing forest species (Ochroma pyramidale, Piptocoma discolor and Bambusa vulgaris) in a mining extraction area, in the Yutzupino community, Napo for restoration. Leaf and soil samples were collected to determine the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Fe and Ni) using atomic absorption spectrometry and the bioconcentration factor (BCF) was calculated. Leaf analyzes showed that B. vulgaris presented a higher concentration of Ni (6.89 mg kg-1 ) and Fe (156.33 mg kg-1 ) and P. discolor contained Cd (0.35 mg kg-1 ) and Pb (55.67 mg kg -1 ). Soil analyzes showed a pattern of variation in B. vulgaris superior in Cd, Ni and Pb and in O. pyramidale for Fe. The bioconcentration factor allowed identifying the accumulating capacity of the species, which suggests that P. discolor may be used as a phytoremediation species for sites contaminated by Cd and Pb, O. pyramidale for Ni and B. vulgaris for Fe.