Evaluation and assessment of metal(loids) adsorptions by Cenchrus ciliaris L. in a cement contaminated area

Abstract

The adsorbed amounts of Ni, Cu, Zn, and As metal(loids) were evaluated on Cenchrus ciliaris L. Results showed that C. ciliaris grass was able to collect these elements from soils in an active way. Several factors, such as the concentrations of elements in soils, pH, sunlight intensity, and temperature, contributed to enhance the adsorption of these toxic elements. The analysis for arsenic and phosphorus was conducted by Flameless Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and ICP-AES. It was found that the C. ciliaris plant managed to absorb phosphorus and keep the arsenic out of the root; thus, a selective behavior of absorption of elements by plants in contaminated sites was observed.