Abstract
This study aimed to assess whether hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) behaves as a Cr(III)-tolerant or a hyperaccumulator species and whether it could be a suitable species for the phytomanagement of Cr(III)-contaminated soils. The experiment was conducted in pots under greenhouse conditions comparing two fiber hemp (Fibranova and Carmagnola) and two seed hemp (Futura 75 and Fedora 17) varieties under four different soil Cr levels (24.3, 40.1, 55.8, and 87.4 mg kg−1) supplied with tannery sludge. The Cr level did not significantly influence hemp biomass production or Cr accumulation in the aboveground biomass. Focusing on marketable fractions, Cr uptake was 0.03 ± 0.04 mg plant−1 in the stems of fiber varieties and 0.60 ± 0.17 mg plant−1 in the seeds of seed varieties. The only significant accumulation of Cr content was indeed observed in the root system, where it reached 0.63 mg plant−1 for the fiber varieties and 1.76 mg plant−1 for the seed varieties in the fertilization with 200% N by tannery sludge (T200) treatment. The Cr translocation factor (aboveground-to-belowground biomass) decreased from 2.17 to 0.37, increasing the Cr level applied from 24.3 to 87.4 µg g−1. The maximum Cr concentrations in aboveground biomass fractions (average value of 40.4 mg kg−1) were found in the seeds, regardless of treatment. The low Cr content in the aboveground biomass suggests that hemp can be considered an excluder species, valid as a candidate for Cr-contaminated soils’ phytomanagement.
Highlights
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) comprises several varieties of plants that are intended for agricultural and industrial purposes
Hemp seeds have been used to treat various disorders for thousands of years [4], but their potential as functional foods with numerous health benefits for humans and animals has only been stated in recent years
Hemp seed oil can be used in cosmetics, industrial coatings, varnishes, and paints
Summary
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) comprises several varieties of plants that are intended for agricultural and industrial purposes. Hemp is one of the most ancient cultivated crops and its use is estimated to date back 10,000 years [1]. The fact that it is a multipurpose crop that can provide fiber, cellulose, seeds, and seed oil, as well as valuable metabolites such as its cannabinoids, has led to considerable interest in its research and cultivation [2]. Hemp seeds have been used to treat various disorders for thousands of years [4], but their potential as functional foods with numerous health benefits for humans and animals has only been stated in recent years. The seed oil characteristics such as the omega-6/omega-3 ratio, which is normally between 2:1 and 3:1 [5], make it optimal for human health. Hemp seed oil can be used in cosmetics, industrial coatings, varnishes, and paints
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