Can the use of natural biostimulants be a potential means of phytoremediating contaminated soils from goldmines in South Africa

摘要: Biostimulants offer great potential in improving phytoremediation of contaminated soils. In the current greenhouse-based study, Brassica juncea seedlings grown on soils collected from Krugersdorp Goldmine and adjourning areas (a Game Reserve private farmland) were supplemented with different biostimulants (Kelpak® = KEL, vermicompost leachate VCL, smoke-water SW). Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) was included study for comparative purposes because these are known to enhance rooting. Prior pot trial, concentrations elements three soil types determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy. Plants harvested after 105 days growth various plant organs determined. TheB. without did not survive when growing Goldmine. The farmland KEL produced highest biomass lowest accumulation metals B. juncea. High (>13 000 mg kg(-1)) zinc aluminium quantified roots IBA-supplemented Reserve. Generally, IBA SW enhanced due elevated levels that accumulated their organs.