Effect of planting density of the macrophyte consortium of Typha domingensis and Eleocharis acutangula on phytoremediation of barium from a flooded contaminated soil

In situ barium phytoremediation in flooded soil using Typha domingensis under different planting densities

The management of initial planting density can be a strategy to increase barium phytoextraction from soil, reducing the time required for soil decontamination. To delimit the ideal planting density for barium (Ba) phytoremediation using Typha domingensis, we conducted a 300-day experiment in an area accidentally contaminated with barite. Four initial planting densities were tested: 4, 8, 12, and 16 plantsm^-2 (D4, D8, D12, and D16 treatments, respectively). Plant development was evaluated periodically, and the phytoextraction efficiency was determined at the end of the trial. The initial planting density affected Ba phytoremediation by T. domingensis monoculture. Phytoextraction potential was better represented by the mass-based translocation factor (mTF) than the concentration-based translocation factor. D16 promoted the highest final number of plants and biomass production, but the mass of Ba in the aerial part did not differ among D8, D12, and D16. D4 resulted in more Ba accumulated belowground than aboveground (6.3 times higher), whereas D12 and D16 achieved the greatest mTFs. Higher absorption of Ba from soil can be achieved using less T. domingensis individuals at the beginning of the treatment (D4 and D8) but with high accumulation in belowground tissues. We conclude that the D8 density is considered the most appropriate if considering the phytoextraction potential and field management facilitated using fewer plants.