Studies on phytoremediation in a chromium contaminated area in Hungary

Abstract This paper presents the results of the floristical examinations performed in the units of a former secondary sedimentation pond system in Hungary. The outcome of analyses on the chromium content of the plants is discussed. Beside the chemical analyses, observations on the plants, the characterization of the ecological state of plant stands adapted to heavy metal load. Results of the elemental analysis for heavy metals revealed that none of the plants constituting the natural vegetation can be treated as hyperaccumulator plant. A green cover and the detoxification process of Cr(VI) by plants is suggested to be more important than the present extensive phytoextraction procedure. It can be stated that due to the disturbance our investigated area has diverse vegetation, in addition these plants can tolerate a high concentration of heavy metals, and they are able to take up them.