Analytical Strategies towards the Study of Metallophytes Plants Growing in Cu-Ni Mining Areas in Botswana pp. 495-528
Authors: (Dikabo Mogopodi, Kabo Mosetlha, Bonang Nkoane, Edward Mmatli, Nelson Torto, Berhanu Abegaz, Department of Chemistry, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana, and others)
Abstract: Metallophytes have the ability to tolerate extreme metal concentrations. This unique property commends them to be exploited in technologies such as biogeochemical and biogeobotanical prospecting as well as phytoremediation. Although there are many publications on metallophytes and their potential use in phytoremediation, in Botswana such studies are in their infancy, albeit the country having numerous mining activities. This paper discusses the chemical studies of metallophytes from mineralized zones and other vulnerable areas in Botswana as well as their potential use in phytoremediation. The metallophytes dealt with include Helichrysum candolleanum, Blespharis aspera, Tephrosia longipes and Indigofera melanadenia some of whose capacity for multiple metal accumulation is investigated. A number of analytical methods have been applied in these studies. These include attractive sample preparation techniques such as microdialysis and solid phase extraction as well as chromatographic methods such as size exclusion chromatography and online liquid chromatography-solid phase extraction-nuclear magnetic resonance which are particularly employed for speciation studies. These techniques have demonstrated a lot of potential for metallophytes research.