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The initiatives against a swamp-invasive alien plant, Mimosa pigra: Heavy metal uptake and wood charcoal feedstock
 
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Faculty of Forestry and Tropical Environment, Mulawarman University, Samarinda 75119, Indonesia
 
 
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Muhammad Taufiq Haqiqi   

Faculty of Forestry and Tropical Environment, Mulawarman University, Samarinda 75119, Indonesia
 
 
 
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ABSTRACT
Mimosa pigra, also called giant mimosa, is regarded as one of the most aggressive invasive alien plants due to its ability to grow extensively in various land types. The domination of this species has been found in a swamp area located in Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, although the area contained various heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and mercury (Hg). Hence, it is of interest to point out the ability of M. pigra to absorb those metals for its potential application as a phytoremediation agent. Furthermore, the application of M. pigra wood as charcoal feedstock was also evaluated, as it can be used by rural societies for energy production. The presence of the evaluated metals was assessed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The charcoal was produced by using a drum-based kiln commonly developed for local communities. Our investigation showed that almost all evaluated heavy metals were distributed across the various parts of above ground biomass of M. pigra, except for Pb. More importantly, it was found that M. pigra had an ability as a hyperaccumulator for Mn and Hg. The M. pigra charcoal also revealed a desirable properties, indicating its market opportunity. Finally, this study suggests that its utilization as agent of phytoremediation and wood charcoal feedstock could be one of the benefitable actions against the invasiveness of M. pigra.
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