# Evaluation of Leguminous Plants as Phytoremediator Species in Soil with Pesticide and Vinasse Interactions

## TL;DR

This study evaluates how leguminous plants like Mucuna pruriens can help clean pesticide-contaminated soils, showing better performance than other species.

## Contribution

The study identifies Mucuna pruriens as a superior phytoremediator for soils contaminated with tebuthiuron and vinasse.

## Key findings

- Mucuna pruriens showed better growth and biomass production in contaminated soils compared to Canavalia ensiformis.
- Tebuthiuron significantly inhibited the growth of Canavalia ensiformis and increased residual soil toxicity.
- Vinasse and pesticide interactions altered soil conditions, but Mucuna pruriens effectively reduced toxicity.

## Abstract

Sugarcane is a key crop for sugar, biofuels, and bioenergy, with Brazil as the world’s largest producer. Intensive cultivation demands pesticides like tebuthiuron and thiamethoxam, while fertigation with vinasse may alter their environmental behavior. Sustainable approaches, such as phytoremediation, are needed to mitigate negative impacts on soil quality. This study assessed the phytoremediation potential of Canavalia ensiformis and Mucuna pruriens in soils contaminated with tebuthiuron, thiamethoxam, and vinasse under greenhouse conditions. Experiments used a completely randomized design (five replicates, 4 × 2 factorial). Plant development impacts on the sentinel species Crotalaria juncea, and ecotoxicity via Lactuca sativa bioassays were evaluated. Tebuthiuron strongly inhibited C. ensiformis, while thiamethoxam showed mild stimulatory effects. M. pruriens maintained better growth in the presence of contaminants. Bioassays revealed greater residual toxicity in tebuthiuron treatments. Overall, M. pruriens demonstrated superior biomass production and capacity to lessen soil toxicity, underscoring its potential as a sustainable tool for phytoremediation of pesticide-impacted soils.