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  • Optimization of chelators to enhance uranium uptake from tailings for phytoremediation.

Optimization of chelators to enhance uranium uptake from tailings for phytoremediation.

Chemosphere (2012-12-27)
Bhagawatilal Jagetiya, Anubha Sharma
ABSTRACT

A greenhouse experiment was set up to investigate the ability of citric acid (CA), oxalic acid (OA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and EDTA for phytoremediation of uranium tailings by Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. et Coss]. Uranium tailings were collected from Umra mining region and mixed with 75% of garden soil which yielded a 25:75 mixture. Prepared pots were divided into four sets and treated with following different concentrations - 0.1, 0.5, 2.5 and 12.5 mmol kg(-1) soil additions for each of the four chelators. Control pots which were not treated with chelators. Experiments were conducted in completely randomized block design with triplicates. The optimum concentrations of these chelators were found on the basis of biomass production, tolerance and accumulation potential. The data collected were expressed statistically. EDTA produced maximum growth depression whereas, minimum occurred in the case of NTA. Maximum U uptake (3.5-fold) in the roots occurred at 2.5 mmol of CA, while NTA proved to be the weakest for the same purpose. Severe toxicity in the form of reduced growth and plant death was recorded at 12.5 mmol of each chelator. Minimum growth inhibition produced by chelators occurred in NTA which was followed by OA, moderate in CA and maximum was traced in EDTA applications. Chelator strengthened U uptake in the present study follows the order: CA>EDTA>OA>NTA.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
Oxalic acid solution, 0.05 M
Supelco
Oxalic acid concentrate, 0.1 M (COOH)2 (0.2N), eluent concentrate for IC
Sigma-Aldrich
Oxalic acid, purified grade, 99.999% trace metals basis
Sigma-Aldrich
Oxalic acid, SAJ first grade, ≥97.0%
Sigma-Aldrich
Nitrilotriacetic acid, ACS reagent, ≥99.0%
Sigma-Aldrich
Oxalic acid, puriss. p.a., anhydrous, ≥99.0% (RT)
Sigma-Aldrich
Oxalic acid, 98%
Sigma-Aldrich
Oxalic acid, ReagentPlus®, ≥99%
Sigma-Aldrich
Nitrilotriacetic acid, Sigma Grade, ≥99%
Sigma-Aldrich
Oxalic acid solution, 0.5 M
Sigma-Aldrich
Sodium oxalate, ≥99.99% trace metals basis
Supelco
Sodium oxalate, reference material for titrimetry, certified by BAM, >99.5%
Sigma-Aldrich
Sodium oxalate solution, 0.0125 M
Sigma-Aldrich
Sodium oxalate solution, 5 mM
Sigma-Aldrich
Sodium oxalate, BioXtra
Sigma-Aldrich
Sodium oxalate, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, ≥99.5% (RT)
Sigma-Aldrich
Sodium oxalate, ACS reagent, ≥99.5%