Environmental impact of pollutants and the potential contribution to phytoremediation

Abstract

This chapter revisited an experiment that evaluated elicitors for the germination of Vigna unguiculata (Cowpi Beans): the plant extract of E. tirucalli, the ultra-diluted and dynamized solution of Sulfur 5CH and the two in combination. At that time (2017), due to the significant results observed for the engorgement of seeds exuding an ammoniacal odor, the participation of the sodium/potassium pump, detoxifying enzymes from the thiol group and the suggestive participation of the nitrogenous route of oxidative stress was discussed, by monitoring the factors abiotic and detection of cyanuric acid in similar hydroponic solutions where Cowpea was cultivated,  thus questioning the potential phytoremediation effect of test solutions as herbicides. Later, with the literature showing the association of the thiol group with mercury as another mechanism for phytoremediation, removing it from contaminated soil and water, it was also shown that very few plant species have this ability (two). So, based on the figure and scheme drawn up by environmental engineer Alexandre Pereira (2022), this potential was thought to be possible for the succulent species studied, E. tirucalli. From then on, the experiment was re-discussed thinking about the association with another likely mechanism for the results previously verified. Now also thinking about the potential participation of dairy ducts as structures capable of extracting and even bioaccumulating pollutants, in this case, mercury, since biotransformation was empirically observed in this species through phytovolatilization, which caused intoxication through inhalation of researchers, using an odorless substance released (NAGAMATSU et al., 2019). To conclude, therefore, based on practical experience with this plant species, this appears to be a viable mechanism that will be investigated in future water cultivation trials of Vigna unguiculata, this time with micropropagated Euphorbia tirucalli to be carried out in partnership with agricultural engineering, agronomic (phytosanitary) and environmental. The aim is through research in plant biotechnology to study the effects on phytoremediation, the consequent interdisciplinary promotion of environmental health.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.004-012