Heavy metals phytoextraction potential of Medicago sativa L. irrigated with waste and groundwater

Wastewater is generally used for crop irrigation purposes it since provides nutrients and organic matter to the soil. However, it can also add contaminants such as heavy metals. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the absorption and accumulation of lead and copper in the aerial and root parts of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) irrigated with raw wastewater, treated wastewater, and groundwater using the bioconcentration (BCF) and translocation (TF) factors. Three treatments (raw wastewater, treated wastewater, and groundwater) were tested in a randomized block design with four replicates. The results showed significant differences between treatments. The highest concentrations of lead and copper occurred in the aerial part of the alfalfa irrigated with raw wastewater. The TF factor for lead and copper was higher than one in all treatments; something similar was observed for the BCF, except in the groundwater treatment, indicating that alfalfa has the potential for phytoextraction.