Additive-Mediated Phytoextraction of Copper-Contaminated Soils Using Medicago lupulina L.

Phytoremediation is an acceptable, economical, and eco-friendly way to remediate metal-contaminated soils, especially in areas near industrial zones. Copper (Cu) industries generate effluent that contains various Cu pollutants. Discharging these pollutants into the environment can adversely impact soil and biota through the food chain. In this study, researchers used Medicago lupulina for phytoremediation in soil samples collected from the area surrounding the zangezur copper and molybdenum combine (ZCMC) plant in southeast Armenia. The experiment was conducted ex-situ in pots, and the concentration of Cu heavy metals was analyzed before and after applying phytoremediation using different additives, including ammonium nitrate, citric acid, malic acid, and EDTA. The results showed that these additives increased the phytoextraction process of Cu from the soil while also improving the biomass, root growth, and chlorophyll content of M. lupulina. With bioconcentration factor of root (BCFroot)>1 and translocation factor (TF)>1 values, Medicago lupulina can be considered a good hyperaccumulator plant with a better capacity for phytoextraction of Cu metal.