Metals In Plant Parts Research Articles

Influence of soil microplastic contamination on maize (Zea mays) development and microbial dynamics

BackgroundMicroplastics are contaminants in soil ecosystems that alter biophysical processes, affect plant growth, ecosystems and humans in the long run. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of soil microplastic contamination on the growth, development, and microbial dynamics of maize (Zea mays).Composite soil samples were collected from the farm from 0 to 10 cm depth. Physicochemical properties were assessed before maize seed sowing. Three soil weight categories were treated with 30 g, 20 g and 10 g microplastics. Soil physicochemical properties and heavy metal content in maize plants were analyzed. Morphological parameters, microbial counts, and microorganism identification were conducted. FTIR analysis was carried out in selected plant parts.ResultsThe study revealed a pH range of 5.00–6.70, electrical conductivity of 70–158 µS/cm, organic carbon and organic matter, total nitrogen, average phosphorus content, clay and silt content. The concentrations of heavy metals in plant parts were within WHO standard limits of 425.5 and 500 mg/kg for iron and manganese, but above the limits of 40, 60, and 350 mg/kg for copper, zinc and magnesium. The plant had various leaf sizes and heights, with chlorosis and necrotic activity ranging from 0.33 to 2.67, and a range of 1.33 to 6.33, respectively. Soil samples showed a total bacterial count (TBC) of 2.00 × 103 cfu/g to 7.60 × 104 cfu/g and a total fungal count (TFC) of 4.00 × 103 cfu/g to 2.20 × 104 cfu/g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus mirabilis and Bacillus cereus had percentage occurrences of 44.31, 21.17, 9.12, and 3.26%, respectively. Penicillium notatum was the most prevalent, while Fusarium spp. was the least prevalent. The FTIR analysis of maize seeds from soil samples A, B, and C revealed various organic compounds, with opium powder and streptomycin sulphate being the most abundant. The study revealed that pot B had the highest microplastic concentration at 1 WAS, while pot C had the lowest at 0.10 mg/kg, indicating a differential soil microplastic accumulation.ConclusionMicroplastics impact soil health, plant growth, and nutrient cycling, necessitating sustainable agriculture. Long-term research is needed to understand ecological and physiological impacts and explore remediation techniques.

Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Soil by Catharanthus roseus

Heavy metals are contaminated that poses great environmental burden as they are hazardous to human, animal, plant health and the environment at large. In this study, Catharanthus roseus herbaceous ornamental plant was used for the phytoremediation of lead, nickel, zinc and chromium. Sample of soil was collected and analyzed for certain pollutants Pb, Ni, Zn and Cr. Also evidence of accumulation of these metals in the various plant parts studied was established using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). From the results, it was clear that the root of Catharanthus roseus were found to contain higher concentration of Pb, Ni, and Cr than the stem. After 60 days of experiment, the concentration of heavy metals in soil sample in decreasing order was found to be as Pb>Cr>Zn>Ni respectively where as the accumulation of heavy metals in plant parts include Pb>Cr>Zn>Ni. Finally, this study shows that the plant species was good accumulator of these heavy metals. Keywords: Heavy metals, contaminated soil, Accumulation, Catharanthus roseus

The national maize hybrid as a potential mediator in the contamination of the food chain with heavy metals

ABSTRACT The ability of the maize hybrid ZP666 to uptake cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) from artificially contaminated soil in a pot experiment was investigated. The applied ICP-OES methods are of satisfactory accuracy (Recovery values from 88.9 to 103.0%) and negligible matrix effect (slope ratio from 0.95 to 1.11). The determined contents of the investigated heavy metals in plant parts of maize, the mass of roots, stems and leaves, the height of the aboveground parts as well as the BCF (Biological Concentration Factor), MR (Mobility Ratio), TF (Translocation Factor) and EF (Enrichment Factor) values show the highest influence of Cd. The strongest negative effect on mass (roots 59.7%, stems 56.6%, and leaves 42.5%) and on the height of aboveground parts (13.5%) was observed in the unit treated with Cd. Also, BCF and TF (stem/root) are higher than 1 only for Cd (1.65 and 1.07, respectively) and the highest EF values are for Cd in roots in units treated with Cd and with a mixture of heavy metals (37.30 and 24.04, respectively ZP 666). MR values were less than 1 in all cases. The results obtained are useful for tracing the migration of heavy metals from the roots to the aboveground parts as well as the potential of plant parts for the enrichment of added heavy metals through possible synergistic or antagonistic interactions.

Long-Term Irrigation with Treated Municipal Wastewater from the Wadi-Musa Region: Soil Heavy Metal Accumulation, Uptake and Partitioning in Olive Trees

Utilization of treated wastewater (TWW) for agricultural purposes has grown over the past few years because of limited available water resources. This study was performed to assess the long-term irrigation of treated wastewater from the Wadi-Musa region on the accumulation of heavy metals in soil and their uptake and translocation to various parts of olive trees. Fifteen year old trees that had been grown and irrigated with treated wastewater resources since their establishment were used in this study. Irrigation water, soil, and plant samples (root, stem bark, leaves, fruits) were collected and chemically analyzed for their heavy metal content. Accumulation of heavy metals in irrigation water and soil were found to be within the acceptable range for the safe use of treated wastewater according to the standards of the WHO. However, long-term and continuous irrigation with TWW resulted in significant accumulation of heavy metals in plant parts when compared to their levels in irrigation water and soil. Uptake of metals was consistent among plant parts with the highest concentrations for Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn, and the lowest concentrations for Ni, Cr and Cd. Assessment of the bioaccumulation factor (BFC) and translocation factors (TF) of heavy metals into different plant parts indicated selective absorption and partitioning of these heavy metals into different plant parts. High BCF values were observed for Fe, Cu and Ni in roots and fruits, and Fe, Mn, Cd and Pb in leaves. Translocation factors of metal ions were variable among plant parts. Fruits had the highest TF for Cu, Cd and Zn metals, and the lowest for Mn and Fe, while leaves have the highest TF for Fe, Zn and Mn and the lowest for Cd and Pb. The results of this study indicate that olive trees are heavy metal accumulators, caution should be considered in long-term use of TWW and periodic assessment of possible hazards, especially on fruits and oil quality is required.

Soil and plant growth response and trace elements accumulation in sweet corn and snow pea grown under fresh and carbonated coal fly ash amendment

AbstractWith the recent focus of using coal combustion residue fly ash in mineral carbonation for C capture, an end product, carbonated coal fly ash is generated. The physicochemical changes occur in fly ash during carbonation is hypothesized to improve its soil application potential compared to original fly ash. Therefore, in the present study, we tested carbonated coal fly ash against non‐carbonated (fresh) ash for its effect on soil, plant production, and elemental accumulation in plant parts. Plant pots of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) and snow pea (Pisum sativum L.) added with fresh or carbonated Australian coal fly ash to sandy loam Podosol soil at 5% (w/w) and 10% (w/w) mixing rates were used in the study. Alkalinity of fly ashes attenuated the strong acidity of the soil into weakly acidic to slightly alkaline ranges. Either fresh or carbonated fly ashes added trace elements such as B, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, Mo, Cr, Pb, and Ni into the soil which significantly enhanced the plant growth and yield compared to fly ash absent pots. Accumulation of heavy metals in plant parts were observed in fly ash‐treated pots. Fresh fly ash at 10% (w/w) application rate increased the soil salinity above admissible range and retarded the crop growth and yield. Carbonated fly ash continued to enhance the crop production of sweet corn and snow pea up to 10% (w/w) mixing rate. Carbonation has improved the fly ash from its original state to make it a safer soil amendment at higher dosages such as 10% (w/w).

Solidago canadensis L. — potential bioremeditor of contaminated soil

Goal. To determine the patterns of contamination adjacent to the motor road Kyiv — Odesa territories of the soil and the specificity of uptake by wild plants (zolotarnica canadian Solidagoсanadensis L.) pollutants.
 Methods. Field and laboratory studies.
 Results. The products of combustion of car engines moving along the freeway, there are a variety of chemical compounds, including metals — lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), and others. In soil samples taken at a distance of 5 m from the motorway, the presence of lead compounds was 11.401 mg/ kg, chromium — 19.361 mg/kg. At a distance of 1280 m from the roadway of the motorway in the soil was lead compounds 6,845 mg/kg, chromium — 5.376, cobalt — 0.271 mg/kg In the aboveground parts of plants of the canadian goldenrod (leaves, stems) high concentrations of the compounds were recorded in the samples that were selected at a distance of 5 m from the road: lead — 5.136 mg/kg, chromium — 6.366, cobalt — 3.158 mg/kg. At a distance of 5 m from the motorway in the underground parts of plants that are perennial organs, the concentration of lead compounds reached 2.763 mg/kg, chromium — 3.642, cobalt — 2.034 mg/kg. the distance from the motorway 1280 m recorded in the leaves of Canada goldenrod concentration of lead compounds in an average of 2.675 mg/kg, compared with the figures from the motorway (distance 5 m) 1.92 times, chromium — 1.614 (3.94 times less compared to the maximum accumulation in the experiments), compounds of cobalt — 0.165 mg/kg (in 19.1 times less).
 Conclusions. Accumulation of heavy metals in aerial parts of plants (leaves and stems) Canada goldenrod that grows near the road above (lead 1.86 times, 1.75 chromium, cobalt 1.55 times) compared with perennial underground parts of plants. The research results prove the feasibility of practical use of the canadian goldenrod as bioremediator contaminated soils of areas adjacent to roads with heavy traffic, and its sound practical economic use.

Environmental Toxicology of Cadmium and Lead (in the Case of Long Khang, Vietnam)

The effects of toxic effects of cadmium and lead on vegetation are revealed. As the experimental culture selected rice, cultivated in the site Long-Khanh in Vietnam. The experimental system included the saturation of soil samples with solutions of toxic metals in 7 concentration levels. As assessment criteria are determined: growth, ramification of rice, the state of the root system, the definition of places of maximum accumulation. The patterns of toxicological effects of lead and cadmium are revealed. Concentration of Cd2+ 0.1 mg/kg stimulates growth, as well as ramification of rice. The concentration of Cd2+ ≥ 30 mg/kg inhibits plant growth. Pb2+ < 10 mg/kg can promote plant growth, increase plant productivity (stimulate very high branched rice, increase root length). At higher concentrations, the tillering tendency tends to decrease. Coefficients of concentrations between pollution levels and estimated state criteria were determined. They characterize the high levels of interconnections from 0.7 to 0.9. Levels of accumulation of heavy metals in parts of plants are revealed. The maximum values are determined in the branches, leaves and roots. The accumulation of Pb in ecosystems is higher than Cd.

Evaluating the growth capacity and heavy metal absorption of sweet sorghum and grain sorghum at the seedling stage

In recent years, the use of plants for clean-up and recovery (phytoremediation) has been studied and used in many countries of the world. In this study, E-Tian sweet sorghum (ET) and BT x 623 (BT) sorghum were treated with heavy metal cadmium at 5 concentrations (0, 5, 10, 25, 50 mg/kg). The growth of plant; absorption, accumulation of cadmium (Cd) heavy metals in plant parts at the seedling stage have been identified and assessed. The results showed that Cd affected the height and number of leaves of the plant. Especially, Cd accumulation in the plant decreased in sequence: root, stem, leaf. When comparing the heavy metals accumulation in the two cultivars, the results showed that the BT cultivar had higher Cd uptake and accumulation potential than ET. Therefore, BT can be used for phytoremediation of heavy metals in soil but not for providing food and feed.

Effect of Chromium and Zinc Accumulation on Antioxidant Enzymes during Phytoremediation in Amaranthus Viridis and Parthenium Hysterophorous

Background/Objectives: The study investigate the variation in antioxidant response in experimental plant to overcome heavy metal stress and higher level of antioxidant enzymes may be associated with tolerance capacity of the weeds to defend the plant from oxidative damage. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Pot culture experiments were completed in greenhouse and the effect of chromium and zinc on antioxidants enzymes were investigated using UV- Spectrophotometer. A strong positive correlation were revealed in between concentration of heavy metals in various parts of plants and soil. Heavymetal stress enhanced the activity of CATalase (CAT) and Ascorbate PeroXidase (APX). Findings: Present study concluded that Parthenium hysterophorous and Amaranthus viridis has considerable ability to accumulate zinc and chromium and induced higher catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activity. Application/Improvement: The study describes a strategy and methodology that these two plants have ability to survive in stressed conditions and enhancing their environmental significance.

Phytoextraction potential of four poplar hybrids under greenhouse conditions

ABSTRACTThe present work aimed to determine the phytoextraction potential of four poplar hybrids when treated with mixed heavy metals, cadmium (Cd), chromium, (Cr), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) under greenhouse conditions. Poplar hybrids were treated once with six different concentrations (0, 5, 50, 100, 200, and 500 mg L−1) of mixed heavy metals over a period of 3 months, after which the plants were harvested, dried, digested using the aqua regia method and the heavy metal concentrations in the roots, stem, and leaves were determined. Individual heavy metal analysis using ICP-AES of separate heavy metals in plant parts demonstrated higher Zn accumulation in leaves, compared to all other heavy metals. As for Cd, Cr, and Cu the concentration accumulation in the leaves, stem, and roots varied across hybrids. Based on the phytoextraction potential of the four hybrids, hybrid 1 (Eco 28) was determined as a suitable candidate for phytoextraction of multi-contaminated sites, with DN 034 also showing selective phytoextraction potential in the early stages of growth.

Intracellular localization, accumulation and distribution of heavy metals in plants

Heavy metals uptake, distribution and accumulation processes in plants are very important for their impact on physiological and biochemical processes and, consequently, on plant growth and development. The distribution of heavy metals in plant parts and cell organelles are discussed. There are detoxification mechanisms in cell compartments, like binding with cell wall, with organic acids in vacuoles, complexes with phytochelatins and etc. What proportion of given metal ions would be the in free form, and what – bound with organic molecules; it depends from pH of the environment and chemical properties of element. The stability of metals complexes decreases in the case of deviation pH of environment from neutral: at low pH there is a competition of protons with metal ions for binding sites in molecules, at high pH – by the reason of the competition of hydroxyl groups with ligand.

Heavy metals and living systems: An overview

Heavy metals are natural constituents of the earth's crust, but indiscriminate human activities have drastically altered their geochemical cycles and biochemical balance. This results in accumulation of metals in plant parts having secondary metabolites, which is responsible for a particular pharmacological activity. Prolonged exposure to heavy metals such as cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc can cause deleterious health effects in humans. Molecular understanding of plant metal accumulation has numerous biotechnological implications also, the long term effects of which might not be yet known.

Incinerated Sewage Sludge Products as Amendments for Agricultural Soils: Leaching and Plant Uptake of Trace Elements

Preliminary leaching column and greenhouse plant uptake studies were conducted in two soils with contrasting characteristics amended with varying rates (0 to 148.3 Mg ha−1) of incinerated sewage sludge (ISS) and weathered sewage sludge (WISS) to estimate the leaching losses of trace elements from the soils amended with incinerated sewage sludge by products and to evaluate the uptake and accumulation of these elements in various parts of Sorghum vulgaris var. sudanense Hitche. (“Sorgrass''), a Sorghum-Sudan grass hybrid. Results of this study indicated that leaching of Cr, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Fe and Mn from soils amended with ISS and WISS increased with increasing rates of amendment. Results of the leaching column study further revealed greater leaching losses from coarse-textured soil compared to medium-textured soil and also from ISS amended soils than with WISS amended soils. Results further suggested that the type of element and the interaction between the element and soil properties affected the leachability of various trace elements. The uptake study indicated uptake and accumulation of trace elements by plant parts increased with increasing rates of amendments. Greater plant uptake and accumulation of trace elements were observed in plant parts grown in soils amended with ISS compared to that of WISS. Results also indicated a greater accumulation of trace elements in below ground part of the plants (roots) compared to that was observed in above ground parts (shoots). Limited data obtained from this one season preliminary studies demonstrated that incinerated sewage sludge products from wastewater treatment plants could be used as soil amendments at low application (no more than 24.7 Mg ha−1) for optimum plant growth, and dry matter yield without resulting in substantial accumulation of metals in plant parts at concentrations above the recommended critical limits and without causing significant leaching losses of various trace elements. It is imperative that long-term field studies are necessary to evaluate the long-term impact of using these new products in leaching and accumulation of various trace elements in plants and soils.

HEAVY METALS IN AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE

In eastern Australia, 12 sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) varieties and their different parts were screened for plant-mobile heavy metals to assess whether genetic differences were of greater significance than the soil/environment for uptake and within plant distribution. The purpose was to better understand factors controlling the cycling of heavy metals in sugar cane production systems. Soil pH (1:5 soil/water) ranged from 4.5 to 6.4 and all breeding-trial sites contained relatively low levels of extractable Cd, Hg, and Pb and variable levels of Cu and Zn. Internal concentrations of Cd and Zn were more influenced by soil/environment than by variety, while the distribution of metals in plant parts was quite consistent. About 77% of the Cd and 56% of the Zn were contained in the stem, which relocates to the mill following harvest. There was little Hg in all plant parts (concentrations<0.05 mg kg−1 d.w.). From a predictive viewpoint, correlations between extractable heavy metals such as Cd in soils and corresponding plant concentrations were inconsistent, with the narrow range in soil concentrations seen as a contributing factor. On present evidence, the uptake of heavy metals by sugar cane can be adequately managed by manipulating soil properties rather than by varietial selection. It is also clear that for each 100 tonnes of fresh, mature cane, about 0.2 g of Cd and 110 g of Zn will relocate to the soil surface with the trash. Corresponding quantities moved to the mill are 0.54 g of Cd and 143 g of Zn, with amounts expected to be higher for cane grown in strongly acidic soils with above average levels of heavy metals.

Alfalfa, Sweetcorn, and Wheat Responses to Long‐Term Application of Municipal Waste Water to Cropland

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess, over two growing seasons, the long‐term effects of applying municipal waste water on agricultural land under semi‐arid conditions on selected crops. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cv Ranger, sweetcorn (Zea mays L.) cv Jubilee, and wheat (Triticum vulgare L.) cv Fremont, were grown on land to which waste water had been applied for &gt; 15 y. Plants grown on effluent‐irrigated sites had greater growth rates, dry weights, and yields than did plants grown on irrigated control sites. Chemical analyses for metals in plant parts showed that Na was higher in plants growing on the waste water site, whereas Cu, Fe, and Zn were much higher in plants harvested on control sites. Metal concentrations observed in plant materials were below hazardous levels reported in the literature. In general, no significant, detrimental, long‐term effects of applying municipal waste water on land under semi‐arid conditions were detected. In fact, available P levels increased in effluent‐irrigated soils.