Screening of Native Plants Growing Around an Industrial Area of Mangalore, Karnataka: Perspectives for Phytoremediation

Aim: To identify native plant species with high tolerance and remediation potential for specific pollutants present in the industrial area, aiming to develop effective and sustainable phytoremediation strategies for environmental cleanup. Materials and Methods: The study conducted field investigations around an industrial area to screen plants for heavy metal accumulation. Soil and plant samples were analyzed for heavy metals using the acid extraction method, and five plant species were identified, with I. globosa showing potential for metal accumulation. Results: The soils around the industrial area of Mangalore, Karnataka, were severely contaminated with heavy metals. This contamination had a significant impact on the plants growing in the area. Among the identified plant species, I. globosa from the Poaceae family demonstrated the potential for accumulating and translocating heavy metals. The study confirmed the efficacy of plants growing around industrial areas in absorbing and accumulating heavy metals, indicating their potential for phytoremediation applications.