Phytoextraction by arsenic hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata L. from six arsenic-contaminated soils: Repeated harvests and arsenic redistribution

This greenhouse experiment evaluated arsenic removal by Pteris vittata and its effects on arsenic redistribution in soils. P. vittata grew in six arsenic-contaminated soils and its fronds were harvested and analyzed for arsenic in October, 2003, April, 2004, and October, 2004. The soil arsenic was separated into five fractions via sequential extraction. The ferns grew well and took up arsenic from all soils. Fern biomass ranged from 24.8 to 33.5 g plant−1 after 4 months of growth but was reduced in the subsequent harvests. The frond arsenic concentrations ranged from 66 to 6,151 mg kg−1, 110 to 3,056 mg kg−1, and 162 to 2,139 mg kg−1 from the first, second and third harvest, respectively. P. vittata reduced soil arsenic by 6.4–13% after three harvests. Arsenic in the soils was primarily associated with amorphous hydrous oxides (40–59%), which contributed the most to arsenic taken up by P. vittata (45–72%). It is possible to use P. vittata to remediate arsenic-contaminated soils by repeatedly harvesting its fronds.