Growth Response of Phytoremediator Plants as an Adaptation Indicator in Phytoremediation Efforts for Mercury (Hg) Contaminated Soil in Sekotong
DOI:
10.29303/josdas.v6i1.1504Published:
2026-06-30Downloads
Abstract
Soil contamination by mercury (Hg) due to artisanal gold mining activities in Sekotong District, West Lombok Regency, poses a serious threat to the ecosystem and land productivity. This research aims to examine the growth response of three phytoremediator plants, namely Vetiveria zizanioides, Ipomoea carnea L., and Crotalaria juncea L., in Hg-contaminated soil as an indicator of their ability to adapt to heavy metal stress. The research was conducted experimentally in situ at two locations with different Hg concentrations (2.49 ppm and 17.71 ppm) using a Nested Design. Parameters observed included plant height and flowering age, analyzed by ANOVA. The results showed that the level of Hg contamination significantly affected the growth and generative phase of plants. Ipomoea carnea L. and Crotalaria juncea L. grew faster under low contamination conditions, but showed decreased growth and accelerated flowering phase at locations with high contamination. In contrast, Vetiveria zizanioides maintained more stable vegetative growth at both locations. These findings suggest that plant tolerance to Hg and its physiological characteristics determine the effectiveness of phytoremediation. Vetiveria zizanioides has high potential for long-term and sustainable remediation of mercury-contaminated soils.
Keywords:
Mercury Adaptation Vetiveria Zizanioides Crotalaria Juncea L Ipomoea Carnea LReferences
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