Phytorecycling is a natural and sustainable method of removing and cleaning up contaminants from the environment with the help of plants. However, due to inhibitory effects on plant growth, phytorecycling is effective only at lower concentrations for contaminants, such as metals, pesticides, explosives, and oil. To recover these contaminates the plants are harvested and processed.

In this research, the phytorecycling potential of Brown Mustard (Brassica juncea) and Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) for copper and nickel contaminated soils have been investigated. The objectives of this project were to evaluate the abilities of the two plant species by determining the rate of absorption and accumulation of the specific pollutants from the soil and to analyse the change in the contamination content in the soil.

The development and maintenance of controlled environments for plant growth were essential factors for this research. For this, the plants were grown in a greenhouse with an artificial light source, with desired intensity and spectral composition for photosynthesis. Humidity and temperature sensor were also installed in the green house to monitor these data.

Different concentration solutions of the contaminants were prepared to be incorporated into the soil matrix. To simulate copper contamination, copper (II) sulphate pentahydrate salt was utilized, while for nickel contamination, nickel (II) sulphate hexahydrate salt was employed.

The plants were cultivated under these conditions for a period of eight weeks, during which time they were watered with fertilizer on a weekly basis. Following eight weeks of growth, the plants were harvested and dried. The dried plants were ashed, and then analysed to determine the levels of accumulated contaminants in each plant sample by the means of XRF and ICP-OES.

Additionally, soil samples were taken from each pot at the beginning and at the end of the experiment to assess the extent of soil contamination. Finally, a comparative study was conducted to evaluate the rate of contaminant accumulation between the two plant species.