Toxicologia Ambiental e Analítica

Using Safflower for Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal Contaminated Soils

Abstract

Servio Tulio Cassini

The battle between food and fuel is intensifying as renewable energy sources are promoted and gradually replace fossil fuels. Therefore, due to unfavorable circumstances like restrictions in fertilizer and water availability or the presence of contaminants like hydrocarbons or heavy metals, energy crops may be produced on unproductive marginal land. Phytoremediation, or the use of plants to extract or immobilise toxins from soil that is contaminated with heavy metals, is one possibility. The oil derived from the seeds of the annual herbaceous plant Carthamus tinctorius L. makes superior oil for use in biofuel production. It also has a deep root system.