ABSTRACT
Explosives are an important category of environmental contaminants. 2,4,6- trinitrotoluene (TNT), the most widely used high explosive is a hazardous compound and also is a possible human carcinogen. TNT contamination is common in areas adjacent to manufacturing sites/firing/training ranges. Thus it is imperative to remediate the soil and wastewater contaminated with TNT. Phytoremediation using ornamental plant is a promising technique of removing soil pollutants. In the present study Tagetes patula (Marigold) an ornamental plant was used for the removal of TNT from soil. We investigated the potential use of marigold for effective removal of high concentrations of TNT i.e up to 1000 mg/ Kg. Different concentrations of TNT were prepared and used for pot culture experiments (100 – 1000 mg/Kg) in soil. After 3 months duration, the average soil degradation of TNT by marigold ranged from 87.6 to 98.6%. Contents of nitrate and organic matter in soil were increased. Biometric observation also showed some toxic effects of TNT on the growth of marigold.The overall plant growth decreased with respect to control. Thus, marigold could be a potential ornamental plant for effective phytoremediation of soils contaminated with TNT.
