Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

ACCUMULATION AND TRANSLOCATION OF METALLOPHYTES ALONG HEAVY METAL ENRICHED ENVIRONMENT

Jason Ben R. Paragamac and Guillermo B. Bonghanoy

Abstract

The presence of metallophytes along different mining sites in the region had limited literatures. Though these plant species and their mineral contents are affected by natural and anthropogenic factors, their metal absorption and translocation capacity still needs to be identified. The plants may be accumulators depending on its capability to absorb and translocate metals into its different plant parts and at the same time excluders which limits the entry of metals into their plant tissues. This study aimed to quantify the heavy metal concentration in the soil where the plants are endemic; identify metal concentration in the plant components in terms of elevation; and determine potential accumulator plant species. The study employed both the descriptive and exploratory designs in determining the ability of the metallophytes to accumulate, concentrate and translocate heavy metals in their different plant parts. Twenty-two (22) plant species were subjected to plant metal concentrations analyses for metals like Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, and Mercury. Plesioneuron savaiense and Bats Wing Fern (Histiopteris incisa) were considered potential accumulator with a metal concentration higher than the threshold values in the leaf component. Bats Wing fern is regarded as potential for phytostabilization of copper with Translocation Factor of (0.030) and Bioconcentration Factor of (1.619). Finally, all species across low, mid, and high elevation are potential for phytoextraction for metals Cadmium with Translocation Factor and Bioconcentration Factor of 1.333. Plants with high metal accumulation should be subjected to further study under in a controlled environment to determine further its ability to accumulate and translocate metals.