Phytoextraction of heavy metals from tannery sludge: A cleaner approach

Abstract Worldwide, tannery sludge management has become a big challenge due to containing heavy metals, especially chromium. In this study, phytoextraction of heavy metals from tannery sludge by Napier grass ( Pennisetum purpureum ) is presented. Heavy metals‐chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in tannery sludge were found at 12686, 371, 265, and 66 mg/kg, respectively. Separately, Napier grass was harvested on raw tannery sludge and garden soil and examined for 16 and 20 weeks after the sowing of seeds. Metal extraction from tannery sludge in Napier grass was found in a series of Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb; the most accumulation was reported in shoot parts of plants in the order of shoots >…