The Addition of Degradable Activators Enhances Sedum alfredii Phytoremediation Efficiency in Cd-Contaminated Soils

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Soil cadmium (Cd) pollution is a critical environmental issue that requires urgent remediation. Sedum alfredii, known for its high biomass, strong stress tolerance, and suitability for harvesting, serves as an excellent hyperaccumulator. This study used field experiments to investigate the enhancement of Cd phytoremediation in soil using three activators: citric acid (CA), malic acid (MA), and polyaspartic acid (PASP). The results showed that the biomass of Sedum alfredii was increased by 8.95%-28.37% by the addition of these activators, significantly boosting its Cd accumulation efficiency, with an average removal rate increase of 12%. Among all activators, CA exhibited the most substantial enhancement effect, with enrichment coefficients of 36.26% and 11.56% for the aboveground parts and roots of Sedum alfredii, respectively, and a 21.15% increase in Cd removal rate. Although PASP had less pronounced effect on biomass and Cd uptake, with decreases of 15.25% and 35.34% in the aboveground parts and roots, respectively, it significantly impacted soil Cd speciation and increased the activation rate by 20%.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17073207

Authors: Honggang Li, Huang Ling, Zhiliang Chen, Wei Hang, Mengqaing Sun, Xiaoqing Huang, Haochao Li, Qianjun Liu

Institutions: Guangdong University of Technology, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, South China Institute Of Environmental Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Heavy metals in environment

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funders: Innovative Research Group Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, Foshan Science and Technology Bureau, Special Funds for the Basic Research and Development Program in the Central Non-profit Research Institutesof China, Guangxi Key Research and Development Program

OpenAlex ID: W4409166752