Nickel-hyperaccumulating species of Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) from the Philippines

Issue Date

1-2015

Abstract

Botanical exploration on ultramafic sites in Palawan, Surigao and Zambales has resulted in the discovery of a new hypernickelophore species (nickel (Ni) concentration >1%) of Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae). This paper reports in detail the Ni uptake of populations of P. erythrotrichus in Candelaria, Masinloc and Santa Cruz, Zambales, and confirms the status of P. securinegoides in Taganito, Surigao del Norte, which had been analysed only through herbarium specimens, and these were compared with a known hypernickelophore, P. balgooyi, which was collected in Narra and Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Nickel content of the dried leaves, stems and root tissues was quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. P. erythrotrichus and P. securinegoides both had more than 10000μ;gg-1 Ni in the leaves, whereas the roots had 1195μ;gg-1 and 4636μ;gg-1. P. balgooyi accumulated 6319μ;gg-1 of Ni in the leaves, whereas the roots had a higher Ni concentration of up to 8116μ;gg-1, respectively. All three species had values of translocation factor and enrichment factor of >1.0, implying that all species have great potential in phytoremediation, specifically, phytoextraction of Ni. These three species of Phyllanthus are prominent in ultramafic scrub communities and, hence, should be used in ecological restoration of mined-out Ni lateritic areas. The implications of the unique adaptation of these species are also discussed in relation to a conservation strategy for their natural populations.

Source or Periodical Title

Australian Journal of Botany

ISSN

0067-1924

Volume

63

Issue

2

Page

103-110

Document Type

Article

Language

English

Subject

ecological restoration, P. erythrotrichus, P. securinegoides, Phyllanthus balgooyi, phytoextraction, phytoremediation

Identifier

doi:10.1071/BT14284.

Digital Copy

yes

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