Evaluation of the phytoremediation potential of Brassica juncea L. for bisphenol A and ibuprofen in contaminated soil.

The ability of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) to remediate soil was assessed using nine different mixtures of bisphenol A (BPA) and ibuprofen (IBU) in a greenhouse under natural conditions. The study revealed that B. juncea primarily accumulated BPA and IBU in its roots (BAF root >1), with limited movement to the shoots (TF < 1). The greatest absorption was noted for IBU at 83 % and BPA at 57.3 % when exposed to 100 BPA +20 IBU for 90 days. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll levels decreased by 42 %, 38 %, and 40 %, respectively, at high contaminant concentrations, whereas antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) increased by 58 %, 64 %, and 71 %, respectively, indicating a response to oxidative stress. Soil enzyme activities, including dehydrogenase activity (DHA), were reduced by 45 % in contaminated soil. These results indicate that B. juncea exhibits significant tolerance and potential for phytoremediation in soils contaminated with BPA and IBU.