Phytoremediation potential of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in lead-contaminated soils

A pot experiment was conducted in order to find out the natural potential of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) for cleanup of lead (Pb) contaminated soil. At the rate of 50 mg/kg of applied Pb, there was maximum reduction in the root dry biomass (46.94%) and shoot dry biomass (46.25%) of Brassica juncea L., but 10 mg/kg applied Pb promoted the dry biomass root and shoot to some extent. The concentration of Pb in the tissues followed the order: root > shoot. Indian mustard recorded the maximum concentration of Pb in root and shoot (75.58 mg/kg?and 36.25 mg/kg, respectively) in the combinatorial treatment (T16) comprising of 50 mg/kg?of applied Pb along with 1 g/kg elemental sulphur (S) and 8 g/kg vermicompost (VC). Therefore, it is suggested to apply recommended dosage of elemental S (30 kg/ha) and vermicompost (20 t/ha) in Pb-contaminated soils. It was concluded that Indian mustard could be safely grown in the low level of Pb-contaminated soils and it is useful for lead phytoremediation.