Evaluation of the phytoremediation performance of Hammada scoparia and Halocnemum Strobilaceum for Cu, Fe, Zn and Cr accumulation from the industrial area in Benghazi, Libya

Abstract

The present work aims to evaluate two native plants including, <em>Hammada scoparia</em> (<em>H. scoparia</em>) and <em>Halocnemum Strobilaceum</em> (<em>H. Strobilaceum)</em>, which grow in Benghazi-Libya for soil phytoremediation purpose. Plants and soil samples were collected and analyzed for Cu, Zn, Fe and Cr concentrations at different sites in the north coastal region of Benghazi. Performance of <em>Hammada scoparia</em> and <em>Halocnemum Strobilaceum </em>was evaluated by calculating biological absorption coefficient (BAC), bioconcentration factor (BCF), and translocation factor (TF). Both plants were found to be a moderate extractor. The tendency of the plants toward phytoextraction process and phytostabiliztion process was studied. Both plants tend to phytoextraction process except <em>Halocnemum Strobilaceum</em> tends strongly to phytostabiliztion process in case of Cu and Fe.