Phytoremediation with kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) for cadmium-contaminated paddy soil in southern China: translocation, uptake, and assessment of cultivars

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is suitable for growing in heavy metal-polluted soil for non-food purposes and can be used as a potential crop to remediate heavy metal-contaminated soil. The main objective of this study was to investigate kenaf phytoextraction of cadmium (Cd), including uptake, translocation, and accumulation differences in tissues among kenaf cultivars. A field experiment was conducted in a Cd contaminated paddy field in southern China area with 13 kenaf cultivars in 2015 and 2016. Agronomic performance, Cd concentrations in plant tissues (root, xylem, and phloem), and biomass of different tissues of each cultivar were measured and evaluated. Significant differences in Cd concentrations and accumulation among tissues and cultivars were observed. The phloem had the highest Cd accumulation and transfer capability compared with the roots and xylem. Approximately 35 similar to 65 g of Cd could be taken up by the aerial parts of different kenaf cultivars within every hectare of soil. The percentage of Cd uptake by the phloem ranged from 47 to 61% and by the xylem ranged from 38 to 53%. By evaluating the agronomic traits and Cd bioaccumulation capacity, Fuhong 952, Fuhong 992, and Fuhong R1 were regarded as Cd accumulators for the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil. Our study clearly demonstrated that a significant level of Cd in the soil was taken up through the phytoremediation with kenaf. In addition, harmless utilization of kenaf planting in Cd-contaminated paddy soil was discussed.

Automated summary

Kenaf is a potential crop for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil due to its ability to uptake and transfer heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd). This study investigated the differences in Cd uptake, translocation, and accumulation among different kenaf cultivars. The results showed that the phloem had the highest Cd accumulation and transfer capability. Certain kenaf cultivars were able to uptake approximately 35 to 65 g of Cd per hectare of soil. Fuhong 952, Fuhong 992, and Fuhong R1 were identified as Cd accumulators for the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil based on their agronomic traits and Cd bioaccumulation capacity.