The Effect of Humic Acid on the Phytoremediation Efficiency of Pb in the Contaminated Soils by Wormwood Plant (Artemicia absantium)

Because of the undesirable effects of lead on soil properties and human health, evaluation of its remediation methods seems to be essential. In order to evaluate the effect of humic acid (HA) on the decontamination of lead (Pb) spiked-soils in the presence of wormwood plant (Artemicia absantium), an experiment was carried out in a completely randomized block design with three replications. Experiment factors including different concentrations of Pb (Pb(NO3)2 in the solid form) (0, 250, 500 and 1000 mg kg-1) and levels of HA (0, 100 and 200 mg kg-1) were considered. At the end of the growing period of plants, some soil and plant properties were measured. According to the results, BR, MBC, root and shoot dry weights, RWC and Fe and Zn concentrations in the shoot were decreased by increasing the soil Pb concentration. So, the mean values of BR and MBC in Pb1000 treatment was 60 and 51.1 percent lower than those of Pb0, respectively. Pb accumulation in the root and shoot was enhanced as a result of the increase in the soil Pb concentration. The maximum Pb concentration of shoot (37.10 mg kg-1) and root (38.1 mg kg-1) was seen in the Pb1000 treatment. Also, the results suggested that humic acid had a positive effect on the shoot of Fe, Zn and Pb concentrations. So, the concentration of these elements in HA200 treatment showed an increase 1.25, 1.64 and 1.66 times more than that of HA0, respectively. Leaf proline amount was increased significantly by elevating the soil Pb concentration; however, application of 200 mg kg-1 humic acid decreased leaf proline by 54.5 percent, as compared to the control (HA0). Therefore, humic acid effect on increasing the plant Pb uptake, improving soil biological properties, and increasing availability and dissolution of Pb showed its ability in promoting the phytoremediation efficiency. According to the obtained results of this study, woodwarm plant (Artemicia absantium) is a non-accumulator that could not be used for phytoremediation purposes.