The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50364

Kimberly A. Gray, PhD¹, Mary E. Finster¹, and Helen Binns, MD, MPH². (1) Department of Civil Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208-3109, 847-467-4252, k-gray@northwestern.edu, (2) Children's Memorial Hospital, 2300 Children's Plaza, Box 208, Chicago, IL 60614

Objective: The goal of this research is to evaluate the application of phytoremediation as a remediation approach for soil lead in urban residential areas. While the phytoremediation of lead is difficult because the metal ions molecularly bind to the soil matrix, research has shown that methods such as soil pH adjustment and foliar fertilizer application can enhance the plant's ability of lead removal.

Method: The field study, which was done in conjunction with laboratory experiments, was conducted in two four-block areas of Chicago’s “West Town”, with a total of 60 properties involved. Fieldwork primarily investigated plant growth and lead uptake as a function of seed type. However, it also looked at the performance of perennials verses annual and the use of multiple planting over a single growing season as a way to increase overall harvested biomass and lead uptake. Statistically based laboratory experiments explored plant growth and lead uptake as a function of seed type (mustard, corn, annual sunflower, and rutabaga), soil lead concentration, soil pH, and foliar fertilizer application.

Results: As a result of these studies, it was determined that the primary factor influencing soil lead uptake into plants is biomass. In addition, it was observed that soil lead has little affect on plant growth, soil pH is inversely proportional to lead uptake, and fertilization acts to increase overall biomass.

Conclusions: While laboratory results indicate feasibility and an optimum set of parameters, field experiments illustrate a number of challenges to implementing phytoremediation designs on a small scale.

Learning Objectives:

• 3. Evaluate the application of phytoremediation as a remediation approach for soil lead in urban residential areas.
  7. Discuss plant growth and lead uptake as a function of seed type (mustard, corn, annual sunflower, and rutabaga), soil lead concentration, soil pH, and foliar fertilizer application.

Keywords: Lead, Environment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.