Low Accumulation Characteristics of Sweet-waxy Maize in Pb and Cd Complex Contaminated Soils Based on Field Trials

Abstract

To screen out sweet-waxy maize varieties with low accumulation characteristics suitable for planting in lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) complex contaminated soils, 39 maize varieties were selected, and the enrichment characteristics and differences of grains and straws on Pb and Cd were studied through field trials. Maize yield, bioaccumulation factors, and soil Pb and Cd risk thresholds were used as evaluation indicators for screening low accumulation maize varieties. The results showed that there were significant differences between the yield and Pb and Cd contents in grains and straws of different varieties of maize (P<0.05). Bioaccumulation factors of grains for Pb and Cd were in the range of 0.00003-0.00230 and 0.01-0.15, respectively, and those of straws for Pb and Cd were in the range of 0.003-0.065 and 0.64-4.28, respectively. Through the cluster analysis of bioaccumulation factors, the soil Pb and Cd risk thresholds of different varieties of maize were comprehensively obtained:Huitian 5, Xinmeitian 818, and Yunuo 9 could be safely produced in the farmland with Pb and Cd content exceeding the risk control value, and Tianguinuo 937 and Jinwannuo 2000 could be safely produced in the farmland with Cd content exceeding the risk screening value. Huitian 5, Xinmeitian 818, and Yunuo 9, as low Pb and Cd accumulation varieties, were suitable to be popularized on Pb and Cd polluted soil in Guangxi, China. Tianguinuo 937 and Jinwannuo 2000, as low grain and high Cd accumulation varieties, are suggested to be used as phytoremediation resources.