Evaluation of phytostabilization, a green technology to remove heavy metals from industrial sludge using Typha latifolia L

The effect of the glass industry on heavy metal characterization was assessed in the sludge/sediments of 5 discharge pits (sites) for effluents of functional glass factories and/or finishing workshops in the study area. A comprehensive profile of Zn, Mn, Co, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni,Cu and As levels in industrial sludge was obtained. Correlation coefficients for metal pairs indicate varying levels (positive/negative) of correlation in the samples. A statistically significant difference (P = 0.001) was obtained for each metal on comparing mean metal content among sludge samples. Phytoremedial potential of Typha latifolia, a locally thriving plant species was also evaluated. Shoot and root samples from T. latifolia L. were taken for heavy metal analysis and leaf samples for pigment analysis to gauge its tolerance of heavy metals. Total chlorophyll and free proline content indicate that the species has adapted itself to multi metal stress in the rhizosphere. BCF > 1 (Bioconcentration factor) and TF < 1 (Translocation factor) were obtained in T. latifolia samples in the case of Mn, Cr and As at all 5 sites; Zn at 4 sites; Co, Cd and Ni at 2 sites each, and as such it can be advocated as a potential phytostabilising species for these metals. The species demonstrated limited capabilities in remediating Pb and Cu.