The determination of the phytoremediation characteristics of plants which found in chromium mining areas in Aladağ district of Adana province

In this study, chromium mine sites located in Aladağ district of Adana province were evaluated floristically. The identified plant species were grouped as dominant, frequent, sparse and rare. According to this, 9 species (Aethionema spicatum, Alyssum alyssoides, Alssum oxycarpum, Alyssum floribundum, Thlaspi oxyceras, Convolvulus compactus, Fumana arabica, Onosma cappadocicum ve Salvia crypthantha), which are relatively dominant and frequent, were selected for using in remediation assessments. Metal analyzes (Cr, Ni, Co, Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe) of root, stem, leaf and rhizosphere-soil of plants were performed to evaluate phytoremediation potential of these plants. BKF, ZF, TF and TLF values were calculated using heavy metal concentrations and plants were evaluated for phytostabilization and phytoextraction. As a result of this study following plant species were found to be potential plants for phytoextraction: for Cr Convolvulus compactus and Onosma cappadocicum; for Co Aethionema spicatum; for Zn Thlaspi oxyceras; for Mn Aethionema spicatum. And the following plant species were found to be potential plants for phytostabilization: for Ni Salvia cryptantha; for Cu Onosma cappadocicum. Aethionema spicatum, Alyssum oxycarpum, Alyssum floribundum and Thlaspi oxyceras were found to be hyperaccumulators for Ni. Key Words: Phytoremediation, hyperaccumulator, heavy metal