Polygonum aviculare (PROSTATE KNOTWEED) AS

PHYTOREMEDIATION

This Research Proposal is Presented in Partial Fulfillment Of

The Requirements in Practical Research 11

Angelo Mattheu B. Paira

Ibrenkann P. Hamsan
KC Joy H. Ong
Rasdie J. Mohammad

JANUARY 2020
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The environment especially the soil and water have been polluted by heavy metals
(Muedi and Masindi, 2018). Heavy metals (lead, chromium, arsenic, zinc, cadmium, mercury
and nickel) commonly found in contaminated soils, modern techniques demonstrated soil
washing and cleansing and phytoremediation which are always used to clean and reduce
heavy metals present in soils (Wuana and Okieimen, 2011).

As the Philippines is one of the world’s biggest producers of copper, nickel, chrome,
zinc, gold and silver. Wastes from mining activities, particularly the extraction and
processing of mineral resources, are loaded with heavy metals and chemicals that can
seriously contaminate soil and water (Anonas, 2009). Soil contamination by heavy metals as
a result of anthropogenic activities specifically in closed dumpsites is a major environmental
concern all over the world. (Cortez and Ching, 2014). Lead contamination in the Metro
Manila environment, agricultural and aquatic products as rice and fish respectively are most
likely to be polluted. Vegetables, fruits and shells foods from Metro Manila said the area
showed heavy metal contaminations (Solidum, 2014).

Phytoremediation includes the use of plants and its microorganism to reduce or to

remove heavy metals in contaminated soils. It is a natural process which plants roots degrade
or absorb contaminants (Pilon- smits 2005, annu. rev. plant biol. 56:15-39).

Polygonum aviculare is a plant that specializes in stressed areas, favoring compacted

soil and low nutrients, which are sites that most plants don't want to inhabit (Abbey, 2014).
the restricted germination period of P. aviculare probably prevents it from becoming one of
the world's worst weeds (Gummesson, 1979; Hallgren, 1996). Making It more tolerant
pollution than most species of plants which can be a potential specie that is capable for
Phytoremediation.
1.2 Statement of the Problem

This study aims to treat heavy metal contained soils using Polygonum aviculare
(Prostate Knotweed). Specifically, it aims to;

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1.3 Significance of the Study

Polygonum aviculare (Prostate Knotweed) as Phytoremediation will be beneficial to

people and animal’s health and living, as it is cost efficient knowing that Polygonum
aviculare (Prostate Knotweed) can be found almost anywhere. It also reduces heavy metals
from contaminated areas especially on abandoned mine areas or factories.

1.4 Scope and Delimitation

This study focuses on Phytoremediation abilities of Polygonum aviculare (Prostate

Knotweed). The planting and gathering of data will be done at Sta. Catalina Enriquez, Street,
Zamboanga City. This will test the ability of Polygonum aviculare (Prostate Knotweed) to
absorb heavy metals on contaminated soils.