Phytoremediation potentiality of Cistus Ssp. and Inula Viscosa in heavy metal contaminated soils

Aim of the study is the evaluation of native Mediterranean plants, e.g. Cistus ssp and Inula viscosa, to be used for the phytoremediation of dismissed mining areas on Elba Island. The study was focused on the area named Puppaio in the Mining Park near Rio Marina. Different parameters were considered: a) heavy metal composition of the soil; b) collection and sampling of Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton, C. monspeliensis L.and C. salvifolius L. growing on contaminated soil; c) chemical analysis of different plant organs (roots, stems, leaves) in order to evaluate metal uptake and translocation; d) activity of the main antioxidant enzymes and presence of secondary metabolites linked to oxidative stress; e) in vitro cultures of the selected species, grown on specific media mimicking some of the original conditions (presence of heavy metals, extremely acidic pH), in order to obtain a population of plantlets able to be possibly reintroduced in the considered polluted areas. Preliminary results showed: a) the ability of collected plants to take up and translocate metals to the aerial parts, b) an enhanced ability of the native plants to grow in media at low pH and high metal concentrations