2259:
Phytoremediation of New Orleans Soils Using Urban Horticulture Plants

Tuesday, July 28, 2009: 9:00 AM
Jefferson C (Millennium Hotel St. Louis)
Edward Bush , School of Plant Environmental and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University, AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA
Jeffrey S. Beasley , School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge
Kathryn Fontenot , Louisiana State Univ, Baton Rouge, LA
Allen Owings , Hammond Research Station, LSU Ag Center, Hammond, LA
Historically, some soils in the historically developed Midtown neighborhoods in New Orleans have been identified as containing elevated Pb levels. These soils were re-evaluated following inundation of these soils by Hurricane Katrina flood waters. The objective of this study was to determine if landscape species could be used to remediate soils with elevated Pb levels. Soil contaminated with Pb quantities exceeding 300 ppm was used in a greenhouse study. Mustard green, sunflower and common bermudagrass were selected as potential accumulators of Pb. Plants successfully grew in the alluvial clay and produced acceptable growth for all species. Mustard greens, sunflowers and common bermudagrass accumulated Pb in dried biomass, respectively. These species do show potential for phytoremediation of elevated Pb levels.
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