Natural Soil Phytoremediation Using Mimosa Pudica (Shy Plant)

A Science Investigatory Project

Submitted to the Science Technology and Engineering Department

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

In Research II

Submitted by:

Lynard Dulaca, Louise Gabriel Fulgencio, Ethan Wellrow Suanque, and

Thomas Jay Tana

Submitted to:

Dr. Kevin Clyde Ong

Research II Teacher

Sum-ag National High School

Bacolod City
 Chapter 1

Introduction

Heavy metal soil pollution has become a worldwide environmental issue that has attracted considerable

public attention (Li, C. et al., 2019). Pollution of heavy metals is increasingly becoming a problem and has

become of great concern due to the adverse effects it is causing around the world. Heavy metals are non-

degradable by any biological or physical process and are persistent in the soil for a long period, which pose a

long-term threat for the environment (Suman et al., 2018).These inorganic pollutants are discarded in our

waters, soils and into the atmosphere due to the rapidly growing agriculture and metal industries, improper

waste disposal, fertilizers and pesticides (Briffa, J. et al., 2020). Many activities including mining, smelting,

agriculture, and waste disposal contribute to heavy metal contamination of soils. Heavy metals pollutants in

the soil environment, such as Cadmium, Lead, Zinc and many more are common (Zhao, H. et al. 2022). They

can enter into the food chain through crops and accumulate in the human body through biomagnification, thus

posing a great threat to human health (Sarwar et al., 2010; Rehman et al., 2017). Biomagnification itself is

considered as a separate major issue. It is usually defined as the transfer of a chemical from food to an

organism, resulting in a generally higher concentration within the organism than the source (Gray, J. S., 2002).

Heavy metal soil contamination is toxic and persists in soil environments for lengthy periods of time. These

measures are mainly based on mechanical or physio-chemical techniques, such as soil incineration,

excavation and landfill, soil washing, solidification, and electric field application (Sheoran et al., 2011). For this

reason, conventional remediation approaches for metal-polluted soils like excavation can be environmentally

disruptive, and expensive when used on large scales. Traditional methods of soil remediation have not been

successful in their reduction or removal from the environment (Mahinroosta, R. & Senevirathna, L., 2020). As

a result, it can be concluded that traditional methods tend to possess negative attributes that outweigh positive

ones. This led to the introduction of many alternative methods, one of which being phytoremediation.

Phytoremediation is a plant-based approach, which involves the use of plants to extract and remove elemental

pollutants or lower their availability in soil (Berti, S. & Cunningham, W., 2000). Plants have the abilities to

absorb ionic compounds in the soil even at low concentrations through their root system (Yan, A. et al., 2020).
Heavy metals like Lead (Pb), (Cd), (As), and (Hg) are highly toxic with no known function in plants and may

cause environmental pollution (Fasani et al., 2018). These metals may also severely affect a variety of

physiological and biochemical processes in crop plants and reduce agricultural productivity (Clemens, 2006).

Certain plant species suggested in the study of Marrugo-Negrete et al. (2016) such as Piper marginathum

(Marigold pepper), Stecherus cunninghamii (Umbrella Fern), and Capsicum annuum L. (Cayenne Pepper) can

withdraw toxic substances which then effectively cleans surrounding areas through their natural processes.

Phytoremediation is particularly useful for treating large areas of contaminated soil, sediments, or groundwater.

It is often used in combination with other remediation techniques. Phytoremediation is a technology which can

be applied without moving or excavating large amounts of contaminated soil which in turn, preserves soil

structure (Lew, D., 2018). It uses solar energy and is in general easy to apply. However, phytoremediation also

depends on the plant’s tolerance to the absorbed toxins, allowing sustainable growth and viability. The plants

used should also be highly resistant to pathogens and pests and be repulsive to herbivores to avoid heavy

metals entering into the food chain (Seth, 2012; Ali et al., 2013).This is why native plants are often used, as

they are adapted to local soils and climates. A plant species known as “shy plant” or Mimosa pudica, that can

be found within the Philippines, as suggested by various studies, has potential to become a great

pythoremediator.

M. pudica or the shy taxonomic plant is a creeping annual or perennial herb. It belongs to phylum

Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Fabales, and family Fabaceae/Mimosaceae (Johnson, K., et al.,

2014). M. pudica known through its various names such as the “sensitive” or “touch-me-not” plant. The herb is

traditionally used for ages to treat many diseases and illnesses such as urogenital disorders, dysentery, sinus

piles, and wounds (Fernandes, V., et al., 2022). The study of Yan et al. (2020) indicates that M. pudica is an

especially promising species for phytoremediation. This plant is known for an ability known as thigmonasty or

thigmonastic movement. The phenomenon of responding to external stimuli is known as thigmonastic

movement (Guo, Q., et al., 2015). Thigmonasty is a defensive mechanism that the plant employs to protect

itself from potential threats such as herbivores that may consume it. The shy plant’s sensitivity to touch has

captured the imagination of many, and it has been the subject of various scientific studies investigating the

mechanisms behind its remarkable movement. It is a very common weed in countries of the subtropical region

such as Indonesia and the Philippines. Only a limited number of studies have examined the potential of M.

pudica for soil remediation thus far. Further field trials are needed to evaluate long-term phytoremediation
success utilizing M. pudica. Several characteristics may facilitate the use of M. pudica for soil remediation. The

plant has also been explored for potential applications in environmental pollution due to its responsiveness to

certain chemicals. Beyond its intriguing behavior, M. pudica is an extraordinary plant and remains to be a

specimen worthy of research and observation.

This research paper aims to assess the phytoremediation ability of M. pudica, commonly known as the

“shy plant,” for natural soil remediation. Phytoremediation is an eco-friendly technique that utilizes plants to

remove or neutralize contaminants from soil, water, and air. The study investigates the ability of M. pudica to

accumulate and degrade various pollutants present in contaminated soil samples. By analyzing the plant’s

uptake, the researchers aim to evaluate its effectiveness in extracting heavy metals or other harmful

substances from the soil. Examining the growth patterns and biomass production of M. pudica under controlled

conditions is a priority, as these factors can influence its phytoremediation efficiency. Additionally, the paper

may explore the plant’s tolerance levels, growth patterns, and physiological adaptations in response to different

types and concentrations of contaminants. By achieving these goals, the findings of this research could pave

the way for the development of sustainable and cost-effective phytoremediation strategies utilizing M. pudica

as a natural phytoremediator for contaminated soil remediation.

The following research questions explore using the intriguing sensitive plant for much-needed natural soil

renewal applications:

1. How effective is M. pudica at removing common soil contaminants like heavy metals?

2. What are the optimal growing conditions (soil type, climate, water, nutrients) for M. pudica to maximize

phytoremediation ability?

3. How do the roots, stems, and leaves of M. pudica react to the presence of soil pollutants?

4. Is there a significant relationship between the time required for M. pudica to phytoremediate contaminated soils

and the reduction of pollutant levels to safe standards?

5. Is there a significant relationship in the movement responses of M. pudica to the presence of soil contaminants

during phytoremediation?

Research Hypotheses

The following research hypotheses were originally formulated by the researchers regarding our study on

M. pudica :

1. M. pudica is moderately effective at removing heavy metals present in soil under optimal growing condition.

2. M. pudica grows best in sandy loam soil in a warm, humid environment with occasional watering and fertilizer

application.

3. The biomass production and growth rates of all parts of M. pudica are hindered to varying degrees under high

soil pollutant levels.

4. There is a significant relationship between the extent of soil contamination and the time required for M. pudica

phytoremediation to reduce pollution levels to meet safety standards.

5. There is a significant relationship in the observable movement of M. pudica to the presence of soil

contaminants during phytoremediation.

Chapter 2

Methodology

Research Design
 The study will use a descriptive approach to evaluate the ability of M. pudica (Shy Plant) to

remediate contaminated soils. M. pudica seedlings will be grown in both contaminated and

uncontaminated (control) soil samples under controlled conditions in a controlled room. The study will

last approximately 1-2 months.

Plant growth (height, leaf number, biomass) and soil properties (pH, contaminant levels) will be

regularly measured. Detailed data will be collected on plant responses to soil contamination, including

growth patterns, physiological changes, and contaminant uptake or degradation rates.

The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how well M. pudica can remediate

contaminated soils, contributing insights for sustainable soil management practices.

Materials

- Mimosa pudica (M. pudica) saplings, serves as the plant specimens for the study.

- Standard potting soil, purchased from a gardening supply store, was used as the growing

medium.

- Gold or silver leaf, sourced online, were used to create the metallic solutions.

- Deionized (DI) water was utilized for preparing the metallic solutions and as a control

treatment.

- Plastic containers with drainage holes were acquired for planting the saplings.

Equipment

- A soil meter was employed to monitor soil properties such as pH, moisture content, and

nutrient levels.
 - A TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter measured the concentration of dissolved substances in

the metallic solutions and soil samples.

- A measuring cup with precise graduations was used for accurately measuring volumes of

water and metallic solutions.

All materials and equipment were carefully inspected and calibrated, when applicable, to

ensure the reliability and accuracy of the experimental procedures and data collection.

Location and Duration of the Study

The study will be conducted in a controlled environment in a room at a researcher's

house. The duration of the study will be approximately [insert duration, e.g., 6 months],

including the time required for plant growth, data collection, and analysis.

Methods and Procedures

Preparation of Gold Solutions :

a. Varying concentrations of gold solutions were prepared by dissolving precise amounts of gold
leaf in deionized (DI) water.

b. Three concentrations were used: 10 ppm, 20 ppm, and 30 ppm of gold.

c. The solutions were transferred to labeled containers for application.

Planting and Treatment

a. Mimosa saplings of similar age and size were obtained.

b. The saplings were divided into four groups of equal number.

c. Soil and plant containers were prepared following standard protocols.

d. One group served as the control and received only distilled water.

e. The remaining three groups were treated with the 10, 20, 30 ppm gold solutions, respectively.

f. The solutions were applied to the soil at regular intervals as per the treatment schedule.
Growth Conditions and Monitoring

a. All plant groups were maintained under controlled conditions of temperature, humidity, and light
cycles.

b. Plant growth parameters such as height, number of leaves, and overall health were monitored
and recorded weekly.

c. Soil samples were collected at specific time points for analysis.

Data Collection and Analysis

a. At the end of the study period, the plants were carefully removed from the soil.

b. Root, stem, and leaf structures were examined, and any visible differences were noted.

c. Soil samples from each group were analyzed for gold content and other properties using
appropriate techniques.

d. Data from the treated groups were compared to the control group to evaluate the effects of gold
exposure.

e. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the significance of any observed differences.

Statistical Data Analysis

Statistical analysis of the collected data will include the use of descriptive statistics such as
mean, standard deviation, and percentages to summarize quantitative findings on chemical
composition variations and surface detail characteristics. Comparative statistical tests, including
ANOVA, will be applied to evaluate the significance of differences in structural or compositional
properties between the gold-exposed samples and control samples.

If ANOVA indicates significant differences, post-hoc tests such as Tukey's test will be
conducted for pairwise comparisons between the control and different gold concentration groups.
The statistical significance of all tests will be determined using a predetermined alpha level,
typically [Link] comprehensive statistical data analysis aims to rigorously investigate and
quantify any structural or compositional changes induced by gold exposure, leveraging both
descriptive and inferential statistical methods.
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