Biochar Effect on Cadmium Accumulation and Phytoremediation Factors by Lavender (Lavandula stoechas L.)

The contaminated soil has become a global problem for agricultural and environmental scientists. The soil as a natural resource is polluted by cadmium as a heavy metals from the different sources such as phosphorus fertilizers. The aim of this study was to investigate the biochar effect on absorption factor (AF) and translocation factor (TF) as the phytoremediation factors at different cadmium concentrations by lavender plant. The experiment was conducted in 3 × 4 factorial design including biochar treatment at the volumetric percentage ratio of 0%, 20% and 40% v/v and cadmium treatment at 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg Cd⋅kg⁻¹ soil under greenhouse condition. The data analysis indicated that the biochar and cadmium treatments significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected the plant dry biomass. The biochar addition caused to decrease the cadmium content of the root tissue. Biochar decreased cadmium uptake by lavender plant and also cadmium was accumulated by the root tissue and was prevented to translocate cadmium into the shoot tissue. Increasing cadmium concentration in soil caused an increase in cadmium adsorption factor however there was a significant decrease for translocation factor. It can be concluded to consider the possibility of planting the lavender with biochar application to amend the cadmium contaminated soils.