Philippine E-Journals

Nickel Accumulation in Vegetation of Serpentine Soils in Tanauan, Leyte, Philippines

Pearl Aphrodite Bobon-carnice

 

Abstract:

Serpentinite belongs to the ultramafic group of rocks which contains naturally occurring heavy metals such as nickel (Ni). This study is based on the hypothesis that Ni is present in high amounts in the soil, and it could be taken up by the plants including food crops. The study aims to evaluate the Ni content of the soil and native crops growing in the hill of Adil, Pago, Tanauan, Leyte, Philippines where serpentinite rocks are found. Composite soil samples from the surface soil (0-20 cm depth) and plant tissues (roots and leaf samples) were collected and determined their pH and Ni content using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results revealed that a level of extractable Ni in soils is 27.19 mg/kg-1 on average between food plants and 6.35 mg/kg-1 on soils around bamboo. In terms of root Ni accumulation, pineapple rendered the highest concentration of 84.35 mg/ kg-1 and bamboo with 81.15 mg/kg-1. Bamboo and guava leaves accumulated 17.45 mg/kg-1 and 15.9 mg/kg-1, respectively. Since Ni is present in the native plants grown in the area, there is a possible implication that Ni could be biologically accumulated by people. However, no plants sampled quantified as hyperaccumulator.