Ecotoxicity of cadmium to maize and soybean seedling in black soil

Abstract

Ecotoxicity and bioavailability of cadmium (Cd) to the maize (Zea mays L.) and the soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) were investigated by acute toxicity experiment in the laboratory with black soil. Ecotoxicity and bioavailability of Cd were quantified by calculating the median effective concentration (EC 50) and bioaccumulation factor (BAF). The measurement endpoints used were seed germination and seedling growth (shoot and root). The results showed that concentrations of Cd in the soil had adverse effect on the growth of roots and shoots. Seed germination was not the sensitive indicator for the ecotoxicity of Cd in the soil, while the growth of roots was the most sensitive measurement endpoint. Absorbability and transport of Cd in plants depended on the test crop species and Cd concentrations in the soil. The maize retains more Cd in its roots, while the soybean transports more Cd to the shoots from roots.