Use of the grass, Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash for detoxification and phytoremediation of soils contaminated with fly ash from thermal power plants

Aims: FA disposal is a major environmental issue and phytoremediation could be used to address this issue. In the present study we have evaluated the role of vetiver to phytoremediate FA and its amendments. Methods: A pot experiment was conducted to test the phytoremediation capacity of vetiver grass from FA-soil amendments (0, 25, 50, and 100%), over a period of 18 months. Allium cepa was used to monitor the alteration in genotoxicity of the FA-soil amendments, using genotoxicity endpoints that include chromosome aberration, micronucleus, and DNA damage (comet assay). The amendments and their respective leachates were subjected to metal analysis to understand the role of heavy metal induced genotoxicity. The roots and leaves of vetiver grown in different amendments were subjected to metal estimation to help understand the extent of remediation of FA under the influence of vetiver grass. Results: The study revealed marked decrease in concentration of heavy metals and significant decrease in genotoxic potential (marked by reduction in micronuclei formation, binucleate cells and chromosomal aberrations), in the FA-soil amendments over the period of 18 months. The study revealed that vetiver grass is capable of remediating FA by stabilizing the metals in the root. Conclusion: Vetiver can be used as an excellent candidate for remediation and restoration of FA dumpsites. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.