T179 Environmental and Engineering Geology Division Session (Posters)

Tuesday, 24 September 2024
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Hall D

EXPLORING THE CONTRASTS BETWEEN TITHONIA ROTUNDIFOLIA AND LANTANA CAMARA REGARDING CARBON SEQUESTRATION AND PHYTOREMEDIATION POTENTIAL IN LEAD (Pb) AND COPPER (Cu) CONTAMINATED SOILS

Paper number: T179-8
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Authors

  • Tori Morgan Presenting Author
    Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, GA
  • Shannon Northen
    Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, GA
  • Samuel Mutiti
    Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, GA

Abstract

Confronting climate change and environmental degradation, particularly from mining pollution, is imperative. Mining not only releases heavy metals into the environment but also poses risks to local populations. Our study delves into the efficacy of Lantana camara and Tithonia rotundifolia in purifying heavy metal-laden soils and promoting carbon sequestration.

Fieldwork was conducted in Zambian mining areas, where we gathered soil and plant specimens. The plant matter was partitioned to ascertain heavy metal absorption and to track the decomposition process. The decomposition yielded leachate, which was tested for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) using equipment from the University of Georgia: a Shimadzu TOC-5000A Total Organic Carbon Analyzer and a Shimadzu TOC-Vcsh. This research is funded by the National Science Foundation, Grant No. 2107177.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 56, No. 5

doi: 10.1130/abs/2024AM-405080

© Copyright 2024 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.