Evaluation of Phytoremediation Potential of Lantana camara for Heavy Metals in an Industrially Polluted Area in Bhopal, India

Ashwini A. Waoo, Swati Khare, Sujata Ganguly

Soil contamination from industrial effluents and mining activities is a widespread concern all over the world. Generally soil act as the buffer zone between atmosphere and underground water, thus soil contamination creates a serious threat to soil and to the surrounding biosphere. This research program is aimed to make an in-depth investigation about the remediation of contaminated sites from various metal contaminants using specific plants. This study concentrates on the evaluation of phytoremediation potential of Lantana camara for the surroundings of industrial area of Bhopal, which is heavily affected by heavy metal pollution. The aim of our research was to identify some interesting accumulators which may associate an important biomass production with an effective absorption and translocation of heavy metals. The present study is focused on the ability of the native plant to accumulate and tolerate high concentrations of heavy metals on heavy metal supplemented M S medium in tissue culture, which are often associated in polluted areas.