Plants grown in metal-contaminated sites have to be managed and disposed of safely even in phytoremediation because heavy metals can be transferred to other organisms through the food chain, which could result in bioaccumulation in organisms of a higher trophic level. However, if the harvested plants could be used for bioenergy, the ecological risk is reduced and phytoremediation improves economic feasibility. This study researched the effects of EDDS (Ethylenediamine disuccinate) on the heavy metal uptake performance of Brassica campetris and Sorghum biocolor, both of which have potential as bioenergy plants. The results showed that EDDS could increase Pb, Cu, Ni, Cd, and Zn concentrations in the roots and shoots of both of these plants. Furthermore, EDDS reduced the metal inhibition of the S. bicolor length growth. The translocation factors (TF) of S. bicolor and B. campestris are smaller than one for all five heavy metals tested and decreased by the following order: heavy metal + EDDS > heavy metals only > uncontaminated soil. The results suggest that with regard to plant growth and metal accumulation, S. bicolor treated with EDDS is more suitable than is B. campestris for the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with multiple metal species.

Keywords: Phytoremediation;Translocation factor;Brassica campestris;Sorghum bicolor;