Phytoremediation of Cadmium-Contaminated Soils: A Review of New Cadmium Hyperaccumulators and Factors Affecting their Efficiency.

A promising solution for the remediation of cadmium (Cd) contaminated soil involves the use of Cd hyperaccumulators to reduce levels of soil Cd. The suitability of various plant species to act as cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulators was reviewed by considering bioconcentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF) and Cd concentration in shoots relative to soil parameters such as pH and organic matter content, and planting and growing parameters. High BCF and TF values (max 81 and 13.7 respectively) were observed in soils with low soil Cd concentration, soil organic matter (SOM) content (< 2%) and low soil pH, with biannual harvesting possible for some species. Certain species such as Youngia erythrocarpa and Gnaphalium affine were efficient as hyperaccumulators in soil with > 40% SOM content.