Abstract

The present study was conducted to test the ability of some desert plants to repair ecosystems through the accumulation of pollutants inside their tissues and the possibility of clearance of those pollutants, especially heavy metals. We used Oudneya africana (Zwitina) and Zygophyllum gaetulum (caramel). Are found in Hamada oil field beside wells. Oil concentrations of heavy metals were measured in its tissues, which include iron, lead, copper and cadmium (0-20) cm. Zygophyllum gaetulum (caramel) was more efficient in pulling and accumulating heavy elements within its tissues (8.1, 5.1 ppm) than Oudneya africana (Zwitina), which accumulated (2.0, 2.7ppm) for iron and copper respectively. Oudneya africana (Zwitina) is more accumulated than Zygophyllum gaetulum (caramel), where its concentration was in the plant (3.5 ppm) or in the plant (2.40 ppm). The results of statistical analysis (p <0.05) showed significant differences between the different concentrations.