Potential of Mestha (Hibiscus sabdarifa) for Remediation of Soils Contaminated with Chromium

The uptake and translocation of chromium (Cr VI) by an important fiber crop, i.e., mestha (Hibiscus sabdarifa) was investigated to evaluate its potential for cleanup of soil contaminated with Cr. The plants were exposed to different levels of Cr (0-200) mg Cr Kg(-1) soil. Up to 100 mg Cr Kg(-1) soil, Cr did not inhibit seedling emergence, but at 200 mg Cr Kg(-1) soil, the emergence of seedlings decreased by 33%. Beyond 10 mg Cr Kg(-1) soil, Cr was toxic to the plants and resulted in a significant reduction in growth of plants. Cr concentration beyond 25 mg Cr Kg(-1) soil resulted in mortality of the plants. The level found in the tested plant was relatively low (< 300 mu g g(-1)) and the translocation factor was < 1 in comparison with the plants classified as Cr hyperaccumulator. Nevertheless, the plant could be suitable for phytostabilization purposes.