Assessment of cadmium bioremediation potential of fast-growing tree Melia dubia Cav.(Malabar Neem) in North Western Himalayas

Cadmium (Cd) is recognized as highly toxic to humans and plants. Different methods, like
chemical, physical biological, and phytoremediation have been used for the remediation of Cd
contaminants from Urban and agricultural soil out of which phytoremediation is considered an
eco-friendly remediation of soil, often called green remediation. On a large scale,
phytoremediation using fast-growing trees may be preferred to annual/ biennial crops due to
their capacity to produce large biomass, extensive deep root system, and ability to accumulate
toxic metals in a form that is not biologically hazardous. The study aimed to evaluate different
varieties of Melia dubia (Malabar Neem) for phytoremediation of applied cadmium. The study
showed the significantly low effect of applied cadmium on vegetative growth parameters and
biomass of trees. Further data generated through this study shows that the accumulation of Cd in
plant parts in order roots > shoots > leaves in all the experimental varieties.
Novelty statement:
Fast-growing tree species are one of the most important points when considering the potential
tree for phytoremediation. Limited studies have been conducted to assess the cadmium
bioremediation potential of Melia dubia. This study was done to assess the bioremediation
potential of fast-growing, money-spinning trees which became popular amongst the farmers of
the country due to their multipurpose uses in wood industries and suitable trees in agroforestry
models wood industry. This study showed M. dubia can to be a good candidate for heavy metals
remediation for the industrial sites of the country specifically hill states due to its fast-growing
nature and heavy biomass production. Further, for effective bioremediation/ bioaccumulation of
heavy metals, planting of this tree species will provide a chance for rehabilitation and
improvement of heavy metals polluted sites.