Vol. 12(3): 832-846, September 2024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.23960/jsl.v12i3.

971

P-ISSN: 2339-0913
Jurnal Sylva Lestari E-ISSN: 2549-5747

Journal homepage: https://sylvalestari.fp.unila.ac.id

Full Length Research Article

The Potential of Talisay-Dagat (Terminalia catappa L.) for Phytoremediation in

Langihan Lagoon, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines
Christian Granzon Magcuro, Chaly Benson Mangubat, Allysa Concepcion Alba Sullano, Victor Lobrigas
Corbita, Joel Andig Mercado, Cornelio Sacquiap Casilac Jr.*
Department of Forestry, College of Forestry and Environmental Science, Caraga State University, Butuan City, Philippines
*
Corresponding Author. E-mail address: [email protected]

ARTICLE HISTORY: ABSTRACT

Received: 28 May 2024
Peer review completed: 7 August 2024
Received in revised form: 23 August 2024 The study aims to determine the potential of Talisay-dagat (Terminalia
Accepted: 27 August 2024
catappa L.) for phytoremediation and to examine its influence on reducing
concentrations of heavy metals in the soil of Langihan Lagoon, Butuan
KEYWORDS: City. Soil, roots, and leaves were collected and brought to the Regional
Bioconcentration factor
Hyperaccumulator Soils Laboratory using microwave-assisted aqua-regia digestion and
Phytoremediation determination through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission
Terminalia catappa
Translocation factor Spectrometer. The study made use of mathematical computations such as
translocation factor (TF), bioconcentration factor (BCF), and enrichment
factor (EF) to determine whether the tree is a hyperaccumulator, excluder,
or indicator. In the TF results, T. catappa was a hyperaccumulator for Ni
and Cu, considering that the concentration exceeds one (1) while
demonstrating as a possible excluder for Cr. There was also an emphasis
on limited absorption of heavy metals, as evidenced by the BCF and EF
value of less than 1. The results show that based on TF, BCF, and EF
values, only TF shows the effectivity of restricting the root-shoot ratio
translocation of Ni and Cu (TF > 1). Regression analysis found that the
© 2024 The Author(s). Published by
Department of Forestry, Faculty of
absorption of T. catappa was not influenced by the amount of heavy metal
Agriculture, University of Lampung. in the soil within the studied condition. This insight was crucial in
This is an open access article under the
CC BY-NC license: understanding the plant’s absorption and could guide further research or
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by- practical applications in environmental management and
nc/4.0/.
phytoremediation.

1. Introduction
Heavy metal pollution has become a global problem (Mahar et al. 2016) that has attracted
considerable public attention (Li et al. 2019) and is increasing due to industrialization and the
disturbance of the natural nutrient cycles (Ali et al. 2013; Sumiahadi and Acar 2018) and stored in
soils from human activities and natural activities (Elnazer et al. 2015). The current state of
environmental contamination is extremely dangerous, endangering the fundamental foundation of
human existence (Motuzova et al. 2014). This is true when enterprises utilize the soil for the
discharge of treated liquid effluents, deposition of exhaust gas, and solid waste disposal (Adnan et
al. 2022; Gabarrón et al. 2017). The term “heavy metal” encompasses toxic elements like lead,
cadmium, chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, and mercury, posing biological risks to ecosystems.
The heavy metals found near hazardous waste sites can cause toxicity at low exposure levels (Jacob
et al. 2018). Although metals are necessary in small quantities, their presence in the ecosystem

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presents significant health and environmental hazards for all living things. Heavy metals
accumulate in plants from the soil because living things are unable to break them down, and trees
might experience long-term harm and effects from this (Nyangon et al. 2023).
In tropical countries like the Philippines, Terminalia catappa L., commonly known as
Talisay-dagat, is a versatile tree often planted for shade, ornamental, and edible nuts, yet it remains
underutilized for some purposes (Ladele et al. 2016). It is a fast-growing tree that naturally thrives
in coastal areas and belongs to the Combretaceae family. Although T. catappa has been extensively
studied, the majority of research has focused on its medicinal properties, including antitumor and
antioxidant properties (Pandya et al. 2013), including its wound healing applications (Chanda et
al. 2013), other research is about its potential as a biofuel (Khan et al. 2013), and as an indicator
for acid-based reactions (Iha et al. 2014).
Phytoremediation is a financially practical way to remediate. Phytoremediation technique
removes pollutants from the environment by utilizing plants and the microorganisms that live with
them (Kong and Glick 2017). According to the findings of Ullah et al. (2015), phytoremediation
is a financially viable way to remediate soil contaminated by metals by breaking down, stabilizing,
and/or eliminating the toxins (Pinto et al. 2014). According to Chibuike and Obiora (2014), it
works best when the contaminants are widespread and within the plant’s root zone. Considering
their extensive study history, using green plants to remediate contaminated soil appears to be a
promising solution to heavy metal issues (Sarwar et al. 2017). Phytoremediation was generally
acknowledged as an affordable method of restoring the environment supporting literature in the
field indicates that this technology is thought to be more economical and environmentally
beneficial than traditional methods for cleaning up contaminated places (Yadav et al. 2022).
According to Mahar et al. (2016), hyperaccumulation of metals appears to be an evolutionary
adaptation of plants to life.
In urban areas in Butuan City, particularly in Langihan Lagoon, Barangay Holy Redeemer,
it was observed that the area is more likely contaminated due to its proximity to the public market,
roadway, households of dwellers/communities, and the site was exposed to a variety of
anthropogenic activities. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the potential of T. catappa as
phytoremediation in mitigating soil contamination in Langihan Lagoon and to understand the
influence of heavy metals presence and concentration in the soil on the total absorption of T.
catappa.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Location of the Study
The study was done in a site that encompasses a Lagoon predominantly surrounded by T.
catappa, namely the Langihan Lagoon, located at Barangay Holy Redeemer, Butuan City, Caraga
Region, Philippines, with a population of 8,726 as determined by the 2020 census and this
represents 2.34% of the total population of the said city. Remarkably, the lagoon identified as a
known point source of contamination, receives pollutants from industrial run-off, wastewater
disposal, and illegal dumping of solid wastes. These activities have notably influenced the soil
matrix in the lagoon’s vicinity, creating an intricate interplay between contaminated soil and T.
catappa species (Fig. 1).

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Fig. 1. The study site at Langihan Lagoon, Barangay Holy Redeemer, Butuan City, Caraga
Region, Philippines.

2.2. Sampling Methods

The study employed simple random sampling to select eight mature T.catappa whose
diameter at breast height ranges from 20–30 cm and already existed between the year 2015, which
became the subject of sample collection, including the soil surrounding the tree and its roots and
leaves.

2.2.1. Soil sampling

The soil was collected uniformly around the designated tree. The topsoil including dried
leaves, twigs, manure, and other impurities was removed. The collection method followed the
procedure prescribed by the Department of Agriculture, Caraga Region where a sample was
excavated in a “v” shape reaching a depth of 15 cm below the surface. The collected soil was
placed in a sack and then partitioned into quadrants. The initial elimination includes the first and
fourth quadrants, while the soil from the second and third quadrants is combined. The process was
iteratively repeated until a 1 kg sample was subjected to air drying. Before the soil was pulverized
and sieved, residues, including tiny plant roots, were removed (Zhang et al. 2019). The soil was
sieved using a 3 mm mesh sieve, packed, labeled and submitted for heavy metal analysis,
particularly Ni, Cu, and Cr, at the Regional Soils Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture,
using the Microwave-assisted aqua-regia digestion and determination through Inductively
Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES).

2.2.2. Roots collection

Root samples were collected at 0.5 m depth from each T.catappa with a weight of 500 g,
and selecting matured roots was observed following the procedure prescribed by the Department

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of Agriculture, Caraga Region. The roots were put in an oven set at 70°C for 12 hours, the sample
was dried to a crisp and brittle texture where the analytical process took place at the Regional Soils
Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture, Caraga Region, using the Microwave-assisted aqua-
regia digestion and determination through ICP-OES. The aqua regia extraction was based on the
procedure recommended by the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO 1995). In this
process, 250 ml Pyrex digestion tubes were filled with a 3 g sample. The sample underwent an
initial pre-digestion step at room temperature for 16 hours using a 28 ml mixture of 37% HCl and
70% HNO3 in a 3:1 ratio. The suspension was then digested at 130°C for 2 hours using a reflux
condenser. The resulting suspension was filtered through an ashless Whatman 41 filter, diluted to
100 ml with 0.5 mol l−1 HNO3, and stored in polyethylene bottles at 4°C for analysis (Sastre et al.
2002).

2.2.3. Leaves collection

Leaves were systematically collected in an east-to-west direction, following the guidelines
provided by the Department of Agriculture, Caraga Region. A set of five leaves was collected in
every direction on the tree’s first branch, totaling the sample with further precautions that will be
used to prevent gathering leaf-like imperfections, pesticide treatment, bird droppings, and
infectious insects. The collected leaves were then oven-dried at 70–80°C, and drying took 12–24
hours depending on the original condition of the sample, and was dried to a crisp until it reached
its brittle state (Clemson University Regulatory Services 2024). These leaves were carefully placed
in zip-lock bags after being powdered. They were submitted for analysis at the Regional Soils
Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region, using microwave-assisted
aqua-regia digestion and determination through ICP-OES. The aqua regia extraction was based on
the procedure recommended by the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO 1995).

2.3. Data Analysis

The data were encoded and organized in the Microsoft Excel Office 365 Program. The
analysis was conducted for heavy metal concentrations in plant tissues (leaves and roots) within
the chosen T. catappa species. Another fundamental mathematical computation was used, this
centered on the determination of translocation factor (TF) (Equation 1) (Santos et al. 2021; Yoon
et al. 2006). Bioconcentration factor (BCF) (Equation 2) is the ratio of the plant roots to soil
concentration, it was used to assess the movement of heavy metals from contaminated soils into
the plant roots (Ndeda and Manohar 2014; Santos et al. 2021; Yoon et al. 2006). The determination
of a hyperaccumulator, indicator and exluder (Table 1) followed the criteria of the previous studies
(Baker et al. 2000; Ndeda and Manohar 2014; Santos et al. 2021; Yoon et al. 2006). Enrichment
Factor (EF) (Equation 3) is the ratio of concentration of plant shoot to soil concentration (Santos
et al. 2021). Regression analysis was also used to test the relationship between the concentration
of soil heavy metals and the absorption of T. catappa.
Metal concentration in shoots (ppm)
TF = (1)
Metal concentration in roots (ppm)
Metal concentration in roots (ppm)
BCF = (2)
Metal concentration in soil (ppm)

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Metal concentration in shoots (ppm) (3)

EF =
Metal concentration in soil (ppm)

Table 1. Criteria for hyperaccumulator, excluder and/or indicator type of plant (Adriano 2001;
Baker et al. 2000; Ndeda and Manohar 2014; Santos et al. 2021; Yoon et al. 2006)
Hyperaccumulator Excluder/Regulator Indicator
- Ratio of heavy metal concentrations - High levels of heavy - Metal levels in the tissues
of TF > 1 metals in the roots but reflect the levels in the
- Ratio of heavy metal concentrations with TF quotients < 1 sediments
of EF > 1 - Indicators are plant species
- Pb, Cu, Co, Cr, and Ni have > 1000 that correspondingly respond
µg/g or 10.000 µg/g of Fe, Mn, and to metal concentrations in
Zn or Cd > 50 µg/g in any soils
aboveground tissue in their natural
habitat without suffering toxic
effects

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Presence of Heavy Metals in Soil
Plant tissues can absorb heavy metals that remain in the soil; thus, the soil’s absorption of
heavy metals can significantly increase their presence beyond natural levels. From the results
obtained, Ni has the highest content acquired from the soil having a mean value of 216.61 ppm
out of the eight soil samples assisted with a standard deviation of 94.82 ppm and was followed by
Cr and Cu (Table 2). This indicates that Ni has considerable toxicity procured in Langihan Lagoon,
Butuan City. According to Bhalerao et al. (2015), Ni may be a serious issue on land adjacent to
municipalities, industrial areas, or even agricultural land that receives waste products like sewage
sludge.

Table 2. Mean amount of soil heavy metals

Heavy Metals Concentration (ppm)
Nickel (Ni) 216.61 ± 94.82
Chromium (Cr) 160.61 ± 67.68
Copper (Cu) 65.27 ± 5.30

According to WHO (1996), the permissible limit of Ni in the soil is 35 ppm, 100 ppm for Cr
and 36 ppm for Cu. Microorganisms, animals, and plants are all extremely hazardous to heavy
metals such as N, Cr, and Cu. Due to increased anthropogenic and geological processes, heavy
metal-polluted soils are becoming more commonplace worldwide (Chibuike and Obiora 2014).
Furthermore, heavy metals Ni, Cr, and Cu are necessary for plants to complete their life cycle
because they cannot obtain another nutrient that can substitute them (Harasim and Filipek 2015).
Contaminated land must be cleaned up and made free of heavy metals to improve the ecosystem
for all living organisms (Dixit et al. 2015).
Given the presence of heavy metals in nature, this topic has received a lot of attention. In a
study conducted by Fazil et al. (2023) at Mardan Industrial Estate, their presented results point to
the potential application of the identified twenty-one plant species for heavy metal remediation in
contaminated areas, particularly for Ni present in soil. This is to offer a viable path for ensuring

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the development of environmentally safe, long-lasting, and inexpensive phytoremediation

methods to address heavy metal contamination. Once Ni is available in the soil, it is an essential
element for the growth of a tree and development through the roots as it occurs and travels naturally
across the environment.

3.2. Heavy Metal Absorption of T. catappa

3.2.1. Presence of heavy metals in the root system
The analysis of the absorption of heavy metals in the roots of T. catappa in Langihan Lagoon,
Butuan City, as shown in Table 3, reveals notable variations among heavy metals. Ni has the
highest mean value of 9.19 ppm having a standard deviation of 3.87 ppm indicating a considerable
uptake by roots and depicting the variability of Ni absorptions across the root samples, followed
by Cu and Cr that exhibits 8.28 ppm and 6.20 ppm mean concentration, and the dispersion of the
absorption among roots of 2.07 ppm for Cu and 3.09 ppm for Cr. Similar reports indicated that Ni
and Cr were also found in the roots of Terminalia macroptera (Yakubu et al. 2015). As stated by
Nazareno and Buot (2015), in their study of the naturally grown trees in the landfill of Cebu City,
Cr in T. catappa was not detected in roots but is present in the stem and a candidate for remediating
contaminated soils. The results by Cabugsa and Hermita (2014) show that Cu uptake in roots of T.
catappa seedlings amended by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was relatively low. A
similar idea is stated by Matakala et al. (2023), emphasizing that the total heavy metal content in
the soil and the plant’s ability to transport metals from the soil up to the roots are critical.

Table 3. Mean amount of heavy metals in the root system of T. catappa

Heavy Metals Concentration (ppm)
Nickel (Ni) 9.19 ± 3.87
Copper (Cu) 8.28 ± 2.07
Chromium (Cr) 6.20 ± 3.09

Since phytoremediation is a complex process, it can be affected by several factors, such as

biotic and abiotic factors, present in the soil. In this study, mature T. catappa trees having a well-
developed root system were used, allowing them to access deeper soil layers and persistent
contaminants in the Lagoon. De Bernardi et al. (2020) findings enhance the ability of some plant
species such as Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) to stabilize heavy metals in roots. This is attributed
to their ability to accumulate Ni, especially at the root level, by increasing the bioavailability of
Ni in the rhizosphere. These insights contribute to the understanding of heavy metals remediation
strategies in terms of Ni, Cu, and Cr accumulation in plant roots. However, heavy metals’
predetermined end is accumulation being absorbed by plants from the soil and surroundings
through the root system where they might move up the food chain affecting not just the plant but
also its end users (Ashar et al. 2022) and may diminish the nutritional value and slows down the
growth of plants because of changes to their biochemical and physiological processes.

3.2.2. Presence of heavy metals in the leaves

In examining the absorption of heavy metals by T. catappa leaves, notable variations are
observed among different samples. Cu now attained the highest mean concentration with 13.29
ppm and the standard deviation of 4.39 ppm respectively indicating the variability of heavy metal

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absorptions in leaf samples (Table 4). Ni follows with a mean concentration of 11.21 ppm and a
standard deviation of 5.82 ppm, while Cr shows a mean concentration of 3.54 ppm, measuring a
dispersion of 1.66 ppm. According to WHO (1996), the permissible limit of plants for Cu is 10
ppm, Ni is 10 ppm, and Cr is 1.30 ppm, Ni and Cr exceed the permissible value as also used by
Iqbal et al. (2011).

Table 4. Mean amount of heavy metals in the leaves of T. catappa

Heavy Metals Concentration (ppm)
Copper (Cu) 13.29 ± 4.39
Nickel (Ni) 11.21 ± 5.82
Chromium (Cr) 3.54 ± 1.66

Matakala et al. (2023) studied the Combretum molle (Combretaceae) and other native species
found in tailing dams effectively restricting the root-to-shoot translocation of heavy metals. This
indicates the potential suitability of some plants with the same family, such as T. catappa for Cu
phytoremediation as these elements are essential to plants’ growth and development. In addition,
Cu was highest in leaves as observed in the results because it is essential to the growth of plants.
Cu belongs to the eight micronutrients needed for the plant growth (Shabbir et al. 2020) in low
concentrations (Hajar et al. 2014). However, Cu has been distinguished to move several toxic
effects on various biophysiochemical processes (Ameh and Sayes 2019).
There are very few studies of hyperaccumulation of nickel particularly in tropical regions,
and the Ni hyperaccumulation by plants is not well understood. Some data are concentrated on
only a few species and metals (Pollard et al. 2014). In the presence of Ni, the contents of mineral
nutrients in plant organs may increase, decrease, or stay even (Bhalerao et al. 2015). Safari et al.
(2018) studied Conocarpus erectus (Combretaceae) and found that this species can capture Ni
from the air and absorb it from contaminated soils. Cr is a non-essential heavy metal for living
systems, considered one of the most toxic elements that has detrimental effects on plants and
animals (Handa et al. 2018) and Cu is transported and absorbed in reduced form (Mir et al. 2021).
Based on the study of Kapoor et al. (2022), Cr has two forms (mobile and immobile), and further
studies are required to overcome Cr contamination and suitable remediation strategies.

3.2.3. Heavy metal uptake and translocation of T. catappa through TF, BCF, and EF calculations
The translocation factor (TF) explains the distribution of heavy metals, specifically Ni, Cu
and Cr among the soil and the roots of T. catappa. The TF and BCF factors should be greater than
one to be a hyperaccumulator (Baker et al. 2000; Ndeda and Manohar 2014; Santos et al. 2021;
Yoon et al. 2006). Cu obtained the highest BCF value (0.13), followed by Ni with a BCF value
(0.04), and Cr obtained the lowest BCF value (0.04) (Table 5). Ni having a BCF value of 0.04
explains that a limited portion of the heavy metals are present in the soil taken by the roots (Table
5). Meanwhile, the Cu of BCF value of (0.13) indicates a higher uptake of Cu by the roots of T.
catappa. The BCF value of 0.04 indicates that Cr is taken up by roots although to a lesser extent
than Cu and Ni. The study of Tauqeer et al. (2019) suggests that Conocarpus erectus
(Combretaceae) can stabilize Ni and Cr with a BCF value of less than 1. Since there is limited data
about the ability of the Combretaceae family particularly T. catappa to stabilize heavy metals in
the soil a similar study could be one of the possible supports for this claim. Ni and Cu exhibit TF

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values greater than one. Ni has a TF value of 1.22, and Cu has a TF values of 1.60. The values
explain the potential of T. catappa as a hyperaccumulator for Ni and Cu while a potential excluder
for Cr with TF of 0.57. Hyperaccumulator (extreme accumulator) can thrive and tolerate heavily
contaminated soils; in contrast, excluders can survive through a restriction mechanism as
influenced by species and genotypes, even among crops sensitivity and tolerance vary (Adriano
2001). Furthermore, Cu obtained a high EF value (0.20) followed by Ni (0.05) and Cr (0.02), this
indicates that these heavy metals were accumulated by the plant.

Table 5. Results of T. catappa which is probable as a hyperaccumulator, excluder or indicator for

Ni, Cu, and Cr
Soil Roots Leaves
Heavy Metals Concentrat concentration concentration BCF TF EF
ion (ppm) (ppm) (ppm)
Copper (Cu) 522.20 66.28 106.29 0.13 1.60** 0.20
Nickel (Ni) 1,732.90 73.53 89.67 0.04 1.22** 0.05
Chromium (Cr) 1,284.90 49.64 28.31 0.04 0.57* 0.02
Notes: **= hyperaccumulator values > 1; *= excluder < 1.

According to Thakur et al. (2016), a hyperaccumulator can accumulate and absorb heavy
metals in high concentrations in the aboveground tissues without affecting physiological
processes. Matakala et al. (2023) studied the Combretum molle (Combretaceae) and other native
species found in tailing dams, which have the potential for phytostabilization of Cu, Cr, and Ni.
Nyenda et al. (2023) also supported this study, which recommended planting C. molle, C. zeyheri,
and C. apiculatum (Combretaceae) for tailings with high Ni. Adriano (2001) explains
bioavailabilty in the soil-plant system and explains that plant species and genotypes influence the
sensitivity or tolerance of plants to excess metals. Rascio and Nava-Izzo (2011) discusses the
phenomena of hyperaccumulation in plants, especially in response to heavy metal contamination,
which further supports the observations of values BCF > 1. The EF analysis of Ni, Cu, and Cr
revealed relatively low EF values with 0.05, 0.20, and 0.02, respectively, indicating a limited
absorption of these heavy metals in the plant tissues compared to the soil. The study of Lorestani
et al. (2011) showed that none of the collected plants were suitable for phytoextraction of Cu, these
plants were found naturally in heavy metal-contaminated soil.
This suggests that the plant species are not significantly accumulating these metals with
concentrations in the leaves being notably lower than in the soil samples. Printarakul and
Meeinkuirt (2022) conducted a related study on heavy metal accumulation in bryophytes, where
they found Cu exhibiting a low EF value of (0.9) in bryophyte tissues, suggesting minimal
enrichment. The study highlights that the sources of heavy metals in the bryophyte community are
primarily lithological rather than anthropogenic, providing valuable insights into the limited
accumulation of Ni, Cu, and Cr in the studied plant species. The results show that based on TF,
BCF, and EF equations, only TF shows the effectivity of restricting the root-shoot ratio
translocation of Ni and Cu (TF > 1). Plants with more than one bioconcentration factor and
translocation factor of greater than one can be used in phytoextraction (Santos et al. 2021).
Furthermore, if the plant's bioconcentration factor is higher than one and its translocation factor is
lower than one, the plant has the potential for phytostabilization (Yoon et al. 2006). The
phytoextraction process involves the movement of heavy metals to the plant's harvestable parts,

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such as the shoots (Yoon et al. 2006). In contrast, phytostabilization relies on the plant's ability to
limit the transfer of metals from the roots to the shoots (Yoon et al. 2006).

3.3. Regression Analysis for Cu Absorption

Fig. 2 provides the model result of determining the relationship of Cu absorption of T.
catappa to the presence of heavy metals in the soil. The intercept had an estimate of 82.24 and r2
of 0.48. However, the total plant Cu absorption had an estimate of -0.79 and the p-value of 0.057,
slightly above the significance threshold. In conclusion, the total absorption of Cu by T. catappa
may not have a statistically significant impact on the presence and concentration of Cu in the soil
within Langihan Lagoon. According to Cabugsa and Hermita (2014), phytoextraction is a complex
process and not affected by a single factor like the concentration of heavy metals in the soil, but
also the presence of other biotic and abiotic factors in the soil. The study by Chiou and Hsu (2019)
aimed to create regression models to predict plant Cu concentration based on different Cu
extraction methods in soil. These models aim to explain a large part of the variation in Cu
concentration in the plant using different factors. However, although moderate success was
achieved in predicting Cu concentrations, the study recognizes the limitations of relying solely on
soil Cu extraction methods to explain the complex relationship between soil Cu levels and plant
uptake. Thus, although informative, the study demonstrates the need for further research that
examines broader factors outside of Cu extraction methods in soil to better understand Cu
accumulation in plant tissue.
90
80
Cu concentration in soil (ppm)

70
60
50 y = -0.79x + 82.24
40 r² = 0.48

30
20
10
0
15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33
Cu absorption of T. catappa (ppm)

Fig. 2. Relationship between Cu absorption (root and shoot) of eight T. catappa and soil Cu
concentration.

3.4. Regression Analysis for Ni Absorption

Fig. 3 summarizes the results of determining the influence of T. catappa on the presence of
Ni in the soil of Langihan Lagoon. The results of the study show that there is no significant
relationship between the Ni concentration in soil and absorption of T. catappa with a p-value of
0.79, intercept estimate of 242.41, r2 of 0.012 and a predictor variable of -1.26. The result was
supported by the study of Dube et al. (2019), who examined the difference of heavy metals,
including Ni in a tropical reservoir by the species Typha domingensis and highlighted the influence
of numerous factors on the uptake of heavy metals in plant tissues like metal availability,

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environmental conditions, and plant type. Furthermore, the study also emphasizes that the multiple
factors should also be considered, suggesting the need for broader data to better understand the
acquisition of Ni in the environment.
400
Ni concentration in soil (ppm)

350
300 y = -1.2648x + 242.41
r² = 0.0122
250
200
150
100
50
0
10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Ni absorption of T. catappa (ppm)

Fig. 3. Relationship between Ni absorption (root and shoot) of eight T. catappa and soil Ni
concentration.

3.5. Regression Analysis for Cr Absorption

Fig. 4 provides the model for determining the relationship of Cr absorption of T. catappa to
the presence of heavy metals in the soil. The results of the study also show that there is no
significant relationship between Cr concentration in soil and absorption of T. catappa with a p-
value of 0.83, intercept estimate of 144, r2 of 0.0084 and a predictor variable of 1.71. Based on the
p-value, the results also show that the absorption of Cr of T. catappa in the soil was not statistically
significant. The significance of regression analysis has been brought to the attention of heavy
metals regression researchers around the world. According to several studies (Kooh et al. 2018;
Sarkar and Majumdar 2011), among the methods used in optimizing the phytoremediation process
is regression modeling. The results could provide a framework for studying how T. catappa could
affect the amount of Cr in the soil. Furthermore, this underlines the need to explore further the
possible factors that affect heavy metal absorption by plants.
300
Cr concentration in soil

250

200
(ppm)

150
y = 1.71x + 144
100 r² = 0.008

50

0
4 6 8 10 12 14 16

Cr absorption of T.catappa (ppm)

Fig. 4. Relationship between Cr absorption (root and shoot) of eight T. catappa and soil Cr
concentration.

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4. Conclusions
The study shows that T. catappa is a potential hyperaccumulator for Ni and Cu based on TF
value > 1 and a potential excluder for Cr where TF value < 1. Based on regression analysis the
total absorption of Ni, Cu, and Cr by T. catappa shows no correlation and no statistically
significant impact on the presence and concentration of heavy metals in the soil (r2 < 0.5). This
may be because of the few tree samples in the study and the environmental factors. Also, these
findings emphasize the complexity of heavy metal absorption, indicating that factors beyond T.
catappa influence soil metal concentrations. T. catappa shows potential for hyperaccumulation
based on its ability to translocate metals to its shoots, but it may not be effective in overall
accumulation and soil uptake. Further research is needed to comprehensively understand the
mechanisms involved, considering metal availability, as well as comparing with other known
hyperaccumulators would be beneficial to fully understand and leverage the T. catappa
phytoremediation capabilities. More information from this will help explore the potential of tree
species for phytoremediation.

Acknowledgments
The authors would like to express gratitude to the Caraga State University (CSU), the
Regional Soils Laboratory, Department of Agriculture, and Barangay Holy Redeemer, Butuan City
for their invaluable support for the completion of this study.

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