Abstract
The impact of heavy metal toxicity on the shoot and root lengths, total protein, fiber characteristics, moisture content and nutrient composition of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) was evaluated. Plants were grown in pots containing soil and treated with different concentrations (mg/kg) of lead (Pb; 300, 400 and 500), cadmium (Cd; 0.5, 1 and 1.5) and zinc (Zn; 250, 500, and 700) as well as mixtures of Cd and Pb (0.5/300, 1/400, 1.5/500), Cd and Zn (0.5/250, 1/500, 1.5/700), and Pb and Zn (300/250, 400/500, 500/700). Soil contaminated by long-term irrigation with wastewater containing heavy metals was simulated. An increase in concentrations of heavy metals both individually and as mixtures significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the growth parameters and nutrient contents of S. oleracea. The uptake patterns of heavy metals in mixtures showed antagonistic impacts on each other. The toxicities of the mixtures Cd and Pb, Cd and Zn as well as Pb and Zn were higher than those observed in separate heavy metal applications but less than their additive sums. The toxicity caused by individual heavy metals was the highest for Cd followed by Pb and Zn. The highest toxicity was observed in plants grown in soil contaminated by Cd and Pb.
Highlights
Heavy metal accumulation in soil interrupts the normal functioning of soil ecosystems and plant growth [1,2]
The toxicological effects of Cd, Pb and Zn individually and in combination on the biomass of shoots and roots of S. oleracea were assessed. Results revealed that these heavy metal concentrations have significantly (p < 0.05) impacted on the biomass of S. oleracea
The results of the present study showed that an increase in the concentrations of heavy metals resulted in a decrease of sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese and copper in
Summary
Heavy metal accumulation in soil interrupts the normal functioning of soil ecosystems and plant growth [1,2]. Plants absorb various kinds of heavy metals when available in the soil or irrigation water [3]. Metals like manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) is classified as plant essential metals. These metals are required in specific amount and their deficiency or elevated concentrations will result in toxic effects and reduce the plant productivity. Mn is involved in splitting water molecules necessary for photosynthesis. Other metals like magnesium deficiency is responsible for cholorosis in plant leaves [4,5] and induces oxidative stress [6]
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