Abstract
The uptake of trace elements by wild herbaceous plants in a multiple trace element-contaminated site was investigated. The bioaccumulation factor (BF) of trace elements was markedly variable among the different plant species. On average, the BF for various trace elements was in the following decreasing order: Zn > Cu > Mn > Ni > As > Pb > Cr. The translocation factor among the investigated plant species was also considerably variable and showed the following decreasing order: Mn > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cr > As > Pb. Several hyperaccumulating plants were identified: Artemisia vulgaris for As, Mn and Zn, Phalaris arundinacea for Mn and Ni, Heracleum sphondylium for Cr and Zn, and Bistorta officinalis for Mn and Zn. The marked accumulation of trace elements in the plant tissue suggests that the site may not be suitable for urban agricultural production. The plant tissue-borne trace elements could affect microbial activities and consequently interfere with the ecosystem functioning in the affected areas.
Highlights
Soil-plant translocation of trace elements is a key step leading to entry of these potentially toxic substances into the food chain [1]
The investigated soils were contaminated by multiple trace elements with the median The investigated soils were contaminated by multiple trace elements with the median concentration being in the following decreasing order: Mn > Pb > As > Cr > Zn > Cu > Ni
The median concentration being in the following decreasing order: Mn > Pb > As > Cr > Zn > Cu > Ni
Summary
Soil-plant translocation of trace elements is a key step leading to entry of these potentially toxic substances into the food chain [1]. Uptake of toxic elements by plants growing in contaminated soils represents a potential risk for both humans and animals due to accumulation of these trace elements in food chain [2,3]. Excessive amounts of trace elements may be taken and accumulated in the above-ground portion of plants, which could lead to entry of trace elements into the food chain [4]. Empirical models that are effective for field applications, and that take into account plant characteristics and soil factors, have been successfully used to predict concentrations of heavy metals in plants [6]. Warne et al [9] found that the use of soil properties to estimate phytotoxic effects of heavy metals across different soil-crop systems was one of the fundamental steps in improving risk assessment of heavy metals in soil
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