Effects of Lead Forms and Organic Acids on the Growth and Uptake of Lead in Hydroponically Grown Wheat

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of lead (Pb) form (free or complexed) and type and concentration of chelants [citric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)] on the growth and ability of wheat to accumulate Pb. Wheat variety Auqab-2000 was exposed to four levels of EDTA and citric acid (0, 500, 1000, and 1500 μM) in the presence of Pb (1000 μM). Both the free Pb (1000 μM) and high concentration (1500 μM) of EDTA and citric acid reduced the plant biomass. Without the addition of chelants, only a little Pb was accumulated by wheat shoots. This demonstrates that organic acids used in enhanced phytoextraction applications do not merely serve to increase metal mobility and plant availability but also can help to increase translocation rates of metals absorbed by the plant roots. Greater translocation of Pb from roots to shoots was observed with EDTA than that with citric acid.