Researchers from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, have identified a roadside plant that can take up lead from the soil and thus help in removing the toxic metal from the environment. The plant was found to accumulate lead at about 12,000 microgram/g of dry weight in the root and 7,000 microgram/g of dry weight in its shoot.
“These plants grow in soils that are continuously exposed to lead from vehicle exhausts. Though lead additives in petrol and diesel are banned now, some low-quality fuels still have a huge percentage of lead,” explained Dr Joseph George Ray from the School of Biosciences at the University.
Eclipta prostrata or Bhringraj (False Daisy) had the highest lead tolerance out of three shortlisted plants. “The plant may be using the lead to protect itself from pests or other predators,” said Dr Ray.
Dr Ray further explained that the plants can be burned after they have taken up the lead. In this way, the metal can be effectively contained and disposed off safely.
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