Medicinal plants for heavy metal absorption

Plant Name Scientific Name Mechanism of Pollutants Applications

Action Absorbed
Vetiver Chrysopogon Deep root system Lead (Pb), Soil remediation,
zizanioides absorbs heavy Cadmium (Cd), wastewater
metals from soil. Arsenic (As) treatment
Indian Mustard Brassica juncea Hyperaccumulates Cadmium (Cd), Cleaning
metals through Chromium (Cr), contaminated
roots and leaves. Nickel (Ni) agricultural lands
Moringa Moringa oleifera Seeds act as Arsenic (As), Lead Water purification
coagulants, (Pb), Chromium systems
binding heavy (Cr)
metal ions in
water.
Sunflower Helianthus Extracts metals Lead (Pb), Phytoremediation
annuus from Cadmium (Cd), of industrial and
contaminated Uranium (U) urban areas
water and soil.
Neem Azadirachta indica Roots and bark Lead (Pb), Soil stabilization
stabilize and Cadmium (Cd) in polluted zones
absorb metals
from soil.
Water Hyacinth Eichhornia Absorbs metals as Mercury (Hg), Sewage and
crassipes a biofilter in water Lead (Pb), Arsenic industrial
bodies. (As) wastewater
treatment
Indian Emblica officinalis Chelates and Lead (Pb), Used in degraded
Gooseberry stabilizes heavy Cadmium (Cd) soil management
metals in soil.
Bamboo Bambusa spp. High biomass Lead (Pb), Phytoremediation
enables Cadmium (Cd) in urban and
absorption of industrial areas
metals through
soil and water.
Tulsi (Holy Basil) Ocimum sanctum Bioaccumulates Lead (Pb), Small-scale water
heavy metals Mercury (Hg) and soil
through roots and detoxification
leaves.
Spinach Spinacia oleracea Hyperaccumulates Cadmium (Cd), Controlled growth
metals in edible Lead (Pb) for metal
leaves. extraction in soil
Medicinal plants known for their ability to absorb and reduce CO2 levels through photosynthesis and
carbon sequestration.

Plant Name Scientific Name Mechanism of CO2 Absorption Applications

Action
Bamboo Bambusa spp. Fast-growing, High CO2 Carbon
absorbs CO2 absorption rate sequestration,
through high reforestation
photosynthesis projects
rate and stores
carbon in its
biomass.
Peepal Tree Ficus religiosa Large canopy and High CO2 Urban greening,
rapid growth rate absorption and air quality
capture and store oxygen improvement
carbon. production
Neem Azadirachta indica Photosynthesis in Moderate CO2 Urban areas,
leaves and high absorption agroforestry, land
biomass reclamation
production
contribute to CO2
sequestration.
Moringa Moringa oleifera Rapid growth and Moderate CO2 Agroforestry,
high leaf surface absorption nutrition, carbon
area help in reduction in arid
significant carbon areas
uptake.
Tulsi (Holy Basil) Ocimum sanctum Efficient Low to moderate Urban gardening,
photosynthesis CO2 absorption air purification
and aromatic oils
help in the
sequestration of
carbon.
Mango Mangifera indica Large canopy and High CO2 Agroforestry,
high absorption orchard
photosynthetic management,
activity absorb ecological balance
CO2 and store
carbon in the
trunk and roots.
Jackfruit Artocarpus Large biomass High CO2 Agroforestry, food
heterophyllus and rapid growth absorption security, tropical
lead to substantial reforestation
CO2 uptake.
Ficus Tree Ficus spp. Absorbs CO2 High CO2 Urban spaces,
through a dense absorption parklands,
canopy and large biodiversity
root systems that conservation
 contribute to
long-term carbon
storage.
Pine Tree Pinus spp. High rate of Very high CO2 Reforestation,
photosynthesis absorption rate timber
and long lifespan production,
makes pine trees carbon offsetting
strong absorbers
of CO2.
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus spp. Known for fast High CO2 Forest
growth and large absorption restoration,
biomass timber production
production that
contributes
significantly to
CO2 reduction.
CO2 Absorption (from air)

1. Bamboo (Bambusa spp.) – High efficacy

2. Peepal Tree (Ficus religiosa) – High efficacy
3. Mango (Mangifera indica) – High efficacy
4. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) – High efficacy
5. Pine Tree (Pinus spp.) – High efficacy
6. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) – Moderate efficacy
7. Neem (Azadirachta indica) – Moderate efficacy
8. Moringa (Moringa oleifera) – Moderate efficacy
9. Tulsi (Holy Basil) (Ocimum sanctum) – Low to moderate efficacy
10. Ficus Tree (Ficus spp.) – Low to moderate efficacy

Heavy Metal Absorption (from water and soil)

1. Neem (Azadirachta indica) – High efficacy

2. Bamboo (Bambusa spp.) – High efficacy
3. Moringa (Moringa oleifera) – Moderate efficacy
4. Tulsi (Holy Basil) (Ocimum sanctum) – Moderate efficacy
5. Peepal Tree (Ficus religiosa) – Moderate efficacy
6. Pine Tree (Pinus spp.) – Moderate efficacy
7. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) – Moderate efficacy
8. Mango (Mangifera indica) – Low to moderate efficacy
9. Ficus Tree (Ficus spp.) – Low to moderate efficacy
Medicinal plants play an essential role not just in promoting health but also in combating
pollution and improving environmental quality. Here are a few ways medicinal plants can
help reduce pollution:

1. Air Purification

Medicinal plants can filter out toxins, absorb carbon dioxide, and release oxygen,
contributing to cleaner air. Some plants, like Areca Palm and Spider Plant
(Chlorophytum comosum), are known to absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from
the air, including formaldehyde and benzene. Other plants, like Neem (Azadirachta
indica) and Bamboo, have high CO2 absorption rates and contribute significantly to air
purification.

2. Absorption of Heavy Metals

Certain medicinal plants, such as Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Tulsi (Ocimum
sanctum), can absorb heavy metals from contaminated soil and water, a process known
as phytoremediation. These plants help to detoxify polluted environments, especially in
urban areas and industrial zones where heavy metal contamination is a major issue.
Bamboo also plays a role in absorbing pollutants like lead and mercury from the soil.

3. Erosion Control and Soil Stabilization

Medicinal plants like Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) and Couch Grass (Elymus
repens) are used in preventing soil erosion. These plants have deep root systems that
help stabilize the soil, preventing dust storms and controlling particulate matter (PM) in
the air. This can reduce soil degradation and enhance air quality by preventing the
movement of dust.

4. Water Purification

Medicinal plants can also contribute to water purification. Plants such as Water Hyacinth
(Eichhornia crassipes), though invasive, are being used for bioremediation of water
bodies, as they absorb excess nutrients and heavy metals. Moringa seeds are
particularly notable for their ability to act as a natural flocculant to purify water, removing
bacteria and impurities.

5. Carbon Sequestration

Trees such as Peepal (Ficus religiosa) and Bamboo are highly effective in sequestering
carbon dioxide, helping to reduce the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. They have
high carbon-absorbing capacities, thus playing an important role in mitigating climate
change. Mango (Mangifera indica) and Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) trees also
contribute to CO2 absorption.

6. Reducing Urban Heat Island Effect

Urban areas suffer from elevated temperatures, commonly known as the urban heat
island effect. Trees and plants such as Neem and Peepal trees provide shade and help
cool the environment. Moringa is another plant that, when grown in urban areas, can help
maintain temperature regulation and provide shade, thus contributing to reduced energy
consumption for cooling.

7. Restoration of Degraded Land

Plants like Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) and Tulsi have been shown to help
restore degraded land by enhancing soil fertility and improving the quality of the land. By
enriching the soil and reducing soil erosion, they contribute to the rehabilitation of polluted
areas.

By strategically planting and managing medicinal plants in urban and industrial zones,
pollution can be significantly reduced, contributing to better environmental health.
Additionally, these plants can have a positive effect on human health by purifying the air
and providing medicinal benefits.