Effects of Lead on Iron, Manganese, and Zinc Concentrations in Different Varieties of Maize (Zea mays)

Abstract

To investigate the effects of different levels of lead (Pb) on the concentration of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in Zea mays, an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design and 4 × 8 factorial arrangement with three replicates on a calcareous soil in a greenhouse. Factors included four levels of Pb (0 as control, 100, 200, and 400 mg Pb kg−1 soil) from PbCl2 source and eight varieties of maize (single cross 260, 301, 302, 500, 604, and 647 and double cross 370). Results showed that the accumulation of Pb was greater in roots than shoots in the maize varieties studied. Increased Pb concentration in soil decreased Mn and Fe in shoot and elevated Fe concentration in roots. The Mn concentration of roots on different levels of Pb was not affected. Zinc concentration of almost all varieties increased in shoots and decreased in roots with the increase of Pb in soil.