International Journal of Chemical, Material and Environmental Research 2016, 3 (1): 14-19 Research article INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL, MATERIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH Effect of Citric Acid on Cadmium Ion Uptake and Morphological Parameters of Hydroponically Grown Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius) M. S. Hassan 1, * , M. S. Dagari 2 , A. A. Muazu 1 , K. A. Sanusi 1 1 Department of Chemical Sciences, Federal University Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria 2 Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Federal University Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria (Received: April 01, 2016; Accepted: May 3, 2016) Abstract This research work investigates the possibility of improving the phytoextraction of cadmium (Cd) by the application of citric acid (CA). For this purpose, plants were grown in hydroponics under controlled conditions. Addition of 1, 5, 10 and 20 mg/L Cd 2+ significantly decreased the plant growth and biomass. The effects were dose dependent with obvious effects at higher Cd 2+ concentration of 20 mg/L. Application of CA significantly depressed Cd 2+ uptake and its accumulation in plant roots and shoots. CA alleviated Cd 2+ toxicity by increasing plant biomass, photosynthetic and growth parameters. The results showed that heavy metal accumulated more in roots than the shoots and application of CA depressed Cd 2+ uptake at all concentrations. Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) proved to be an effective accumulator for Cd, however, neither con- centration of CA showed advantages for phytoextraction of Cd. The results showed that jute mallow is a potential plant for phytoextraction of Cd without the use of CA as enhancer. Keywords: Cadmium, citric acid, phytoextraction, biomass, jute mallow, Corchorus olitorius 1. Introduction Among the heavy metals, cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic, non-essential and carcinogenic element [1]. In plants, Cd 2+ enters mainly through root uptake and is transported to above ground parts [2]. Higher Cd 2+ concentration in plants caused several physiological and biochemical disorders including reduced growth and yield, nutrient uptake, changes in chloro- plast ultrastructure and initiation of oxidative stress [3, 4]. Food chain Cd contamination is the main source of Cd entry to human and the main constraint for food safety and agricultural land quality [5].Therefore, different actions can be under- taken to remediate Cd contaminated soils including in situ remediation techniques. Plant based remediation techniques are becoming more wide spread as these are environmental friendly and cost effective [6]. A previous study was conducted using citric acid (CA) for Cd uptake by Brassica napus L. in a hydroponic experiment [6]. Phytoremediation is a biological technique, considered for clean-up of polluted sites because of its economical, visual advantages and extensive applicability [3]. Phytoextraction is a technique which uses plants to hyperaccumulate metals in to harvestable plants. The degree of metal, translocation from root to aerial plant parts depends upon plant species, metal and environmental conditions [7]. Jute mallow is tolerant to metal stress, has high biomass, the second most important source of fiber after cotton and the ability of jute mallow to give some financial benefit after harvesting makes it a potential plant for phytoremediation [8]. * Corresponding author: sanninmc@yahoo.com Published online at www.ijcmer.org Copyright © 2016 Int. J. Chem. Mater. Environ. Res. All Rights Reserved. An International Open Free Access, Peer Reviewed Research Journal ISSN 2410-5945 2016, Vol. 3, No. 1: pg. 14-19