Use of biomarkers for soil contamination studies

• Grant number: 17/25958-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2018
• End date: December 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Danielle Goveia
• Grantee: Gustavo Duarte Silva
• Host Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus Experimental de Itapeva. Itapeva , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The use of bioindicators in phytoremediation processes has advantages due to its permanent nature combined with low maintenance costs protection against wind and water erosion, greater soil structure, increased soil fertility and improved aesthetics of the area. Some species of seedlings are considered tolerant in temperate climate conditions and may be appropriate for revegetation of contaminated areas and still provide economic return. In this work the phytoremediation system will be assembled in order to determine the zinc and copper (Zn and Cu) contaminants removal capacity of the soil. The species Pinus elliottii will be used as a bioindicator of soil contamination. Phytoremediation systems will be mounted on a pilot scale with approximately 1.5 kg of soil. The content of metals (zinc and copper) in the plants before the process will be determined by sampling (choice of plants at random). The systems will be assembled using one species (Pinus elliottii) two treatments varying the soil / peat ratio, addition of salts of zinc and copper ions in four replicates for each treatment. To obtain the results the concentration of metals in the parts of plant and in the soil will be determined after the contact period. All the parameters studied will be submitted to usual parametric statistical analysis and submitted to analysis of variance, compared by means of a comparison test of means (Tukey at 5% of probability). The translocation index will be determined to ascertain the potential use of this species as a bioindicator of soil contamination. (AU)