Potential of Gundelia tournefortii species absorption in heavy metals in rangelands around the Yasouj cement factory

Cement factories are one of the sources of ecosystem contamination. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capability of Gundelia tournefortii species in the absorption of cadmium, lead, and nickel elements in rangeland ecosystems around the Yasouj cement factory and changes in the concentration of heavy metals with from the factory. For sampling plant and soil, distances 0 to 500, 500 to 1000, and 1000 to 1500 meters were selected, and in each range, five plant samples with root and five soil samples were gathered from the root depth of G. tournefortii. Indicators of Translocation Factor (TF), Bio Concentration Factor (BCF), and Biological Accumulation Coefficient (BAC) were used to evaluate the ability of G. tournefortii species. Results showed that the TF value of G. tournefortii species for heavy metals, nickel, and cadmium is larger than one. Therefore, G. tournefortii species can absorb and extract lead metals, nickel, and cadmium from phytoextraction. Results of the study of lead, nickel, and soil cadmium in the studied range showed a significant difference between the concentration of lead, nickel, and cadmium metals in three rangelands (P <0.01). With the distance from the factory, the concentration of soil studied was decreased. Results showed that the average concentration of lead, nickel, and cadmium is less than the maximum allowable amount in the soil. Generally, considering that the concentration of heavy metals in the ecosystem is increasing and adds to the contaminated land, the use of native plant species to absorb heavy metals from the environment and reduce pollutants can be effective.