Characterization of fava bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes for phytoremediation of cadmium and lead co-contaminated soils coupled with agro-production

The identification of high yield genotypes that are capable of accumulating multiple heavy metals in the non-edible parts (roots and shoots), but not in the edible parts (seeds) and have desired nutritional value is necessary for accomplishing phytoremediation coupled with agro-production. In this study, 17 fava bean genotypes were screened in two different field conditions to examine their phytoremediation potential in terms of uptake and translocation of Cd and Pb. Ten genotypes, LBAO, JNJX, DCAN, QXCJ, QIKM, LXYC, YDL6, RBCD, QPID and ZHW6 were found as the best accumulators for Cd and Pb with permissible limit of metals in seeds. The concentration of plant nutrients were genotype and soil type dependent and there was a significant correlation between these two factors. Furthermore, the three genotypes DCAN, LBAO and LXYC showed best performance in alluvial soil type while QPID, RBCD and LXYC were the best in red soil type. Genotype LXYC was similar for both soil types and appeared to be the best fit for phytoremediation coupled with agro-production for slightly or moderately Cd and Pb co-contaminated soil. Therefore, lava bean LXYC genotype is suggested as a potential candidate for phytoremediation of Cd/Pb co-contaminated soils coupled with agro-production.