Phytoremediation of cadmium-contaminated soil using Liberika coffee (<i>Coffea liberica</i>) and Jatropha (<i>Jatropha curcas</i>): Mechanisms, economic feasibility, and sustainability considerations

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in soil presents a significant environmental and public health hazard, requiring effective and sustainable remediation strategies.This study introduces a novel phytoremediation approach by integrating Liberika coffee (Coffea liberica) and Jatropha curcas with mycorrhizal inoculation, an innovative combination not previously explored for Cd-contaminated soils.The experiment assessed plant growth, mycorrhizal colonization, and soil quality parameters under Cd concentrations of 10 and 20 mg/kg.Results demonstrated a notable reduction in Cd concentration from 15 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg, along with improvements in soil pH (from 5.5 to 6.2), organic matter content (from 1.8% to 2.5%), and cation exchange capacity (from 18 to 20 cmol/kg).The combination of one Liberika coffee plant with one Jatropha plant at 10 mg/kg (C1K1) exhibited the most effective performance, achieving a plant height of 31.05 cm, a stem diameter of 5.66 mm, and a mycorrhizal infection rate of 72%.This study provides new insights into an integrated phytoremediation strategy that not only enhances soil quality but also transforms Cd-contaminated land into productive agroecosystems, demonstrating a dual benefit for environmental sustainability and land rehabilitation.