PHYTOEXTRACTION TRIALS OF ARSENIC WITH Cannabis sativa, Zea mays AND SELECTED INDIGENOUS BACTERIA

Arsenic (As) is one of the most toxic and most common inorganic pollutants causing great concern due to increased consciousness of the health threats. The removal of arsenic from the soil by phytoremediation approaches is a suitable and effective strategy. Several studies show the ability of Cannabis sativa (hemp) to tolerate heavy metals. These findings, in addition to an high biomass production, and thus the possibility to use it as a renewable energy source, make hemp attractive pointing out the potential of this plant in phytoremediation interventions.