Growth Responses and Phytoremediation Capacity of Colocasia esculenta under Drought Conditions in Pb-Contaminated Soil 10.32526/ennrj/24/20250312
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Abstract
Phytoremediation is an effective, plant-based strategy for removing heavy metals from contaminated environments under various conditions. This study examines how lead (Pb) pollution and drought stress affect Colocasia esculenta’s physiological reactions and capacity to accumulate Pb. Plants were grown for 45 days under two soil moisture conditions (100% and 50% field capacity) and treated with 100 mg/kg Pb. The findings indicated that drought stress significantly diminished root growth, whereas Pb exposure exhibited no significant effect (p>0.05). No significant differences were observed in stem height, dry plant biomass, and relative growth rate (RGR) values (p>0.05). Under the combined Pb exposure and drought condition, the chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (PI and Fv/Fm) did not change. Under drought conditions, translocation factor (TF) levels were less than 1 (0.45-0.56) for the first 30 days; yet, following 45 days, they were more than 1 (1.17). Under drought stress, the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) values were over 1 (1.99-5.14), suggesting a high potential for Pb accumulation. All of these indicate that C. esculenta is resistant to Pb and has the capacity to phytoremediate Pb-contaminated dry soils.
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