Growth and Tolerance of Eucalyptus Seedlings in Soil Contaminated by Copper

Alex Negrini,Rudinei De Marco,Mateus Vanzan,Clovis Orlando Da Ros,Rodrigo Ferreira Da Silva

doi:10.1590/2179-8087.000318

Abstract

Abstract Copper damages plants when present in high concentrations in the soil. This study assessed the growth and tolerance of Eucalyptus grandis, E. saligna, E. dunnii, and Corymbia citriodora seedlings in soil contaminated by copper. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme (4 × 6), with four eucalyptus species and six copper doses (0, 80, 160, 240, 320, 400 mg kg-1) with eight replications. The experiment was performed in a greenhouse for 120 days. The height, stem diameter, root dry mass and shoot dry mass, root specific surface area, Dickson quality index, and tolerance index were assessed. The results showed that the morphological parameters of the studied eucalyptus species were reduced by the copper doses added in the soil. However, the Corymbia citriodora and the Eucalyptus saligna species had a higher tolerance index to the metal.

Highlights

AND OBJECTIVESHeavy metals are found in soils, sediments, water, biological samples, and in the air, becoming potentially toxic (Dghaim et al, 2015)
The results showed that the morphological parameters of the studied eucalyptus species were reduced by the copper doses added in the soil
The analysis of variance showed significant interaction (p ≤ 0.05) between the studied eucalyptus species and the Cu applied to the soil for the variables plant height, stem diameter (SD), root system dry mass (RDM) and shoot dry mass (SDM), root specific surface area (SSA), and Dickson quality index (DQI), according to Figure 2

Summary

Introduction

AND OBJECTIVESHeavy metals are found in soils, sediments, water, biological samples, and in the air, becoming potentially toxic (Dghaim et al, 2015). Copper (Cu) is one of the main heavy metals with polluting potential in soil and water (Andreazza et al, 2010). The main cause of high concentrations of Cu in the soil is anthropic, because of the intensified industrial, agricultural, and urbanization activities, causing soil pollution and developing environmental impacts (Andreazza et al, 2010). Together with copper fungicide applications in vineyards, significantly contribute to Cu soil contamination (Chaignon & Hinsinger, 2003), as well as the continuous and intense use of heavy metals by anthropic activity (Andreazza et al, 2013). The use of plants has been an interesting alternative and seeks to use species with the potential to develop, absorb, and retain the metal in the plant tissues, reducing its toxic effect in the soil

Objectives

Methods

Results