Neyraudia Reynaudiana Research Articles

Phytoremediation of Toxic Lead from Contaminated Soil Using Neyraudia reynaudiana: Soil of Xuzhou as a Case Study

Lead (Pb), as one of the main pollution elements, has resulted in large-scale soil pollution around the world. Even if phytoremediation can solve this problem, the selection of restoration potential plants has always been a scientific problem. As a multifunctional repair plant, Neyraudia reynaudiana can rehabilitate both polluted soils and slopes. N. reynaudiana has been widely used in terrain restoration in southern China before. This study was the first to study the growth and Pb absorption and enrichment capacity of N. reynaudiana in Xuzhou, north of the Yangtze River. In this study, N. reynaudiana was planted in soils with different lead concentrations, and the change of lead content in roots, shoots, and soils, as well as the redox enzyme, was tested and analyzed during each growth stage. The results showed that the roots could absorb Pb and transfer 79.45% to the shoots at most. With the growth of the plant, the ability to accumulate and transfer gradually increased. Moreover, when the soil Pb concentration was above 800 mg kg−1, the ability to accumulate by N. reynaudiana was significantly restrained. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POD) first acted on the redox response in the initial phase, while increasing the pollutant concentration or the growth of N. reynaudiana in the later stage, and the glutathione reductase (GR) redox system continued to feed back on the lead stress. This study proved that N. reynaudiana is a kind remediation plant for lead pollution soil and could repair soil with a lead pollution concentration lower than 800 mg kg−1. The results provide a theoretical reference for clarifying the action mechanism and threshold value of N. reynaudiana in rehabilitating soil lead pollution and provide practical guidance for the planting proportion of N. reynaudiana.

Impact of landscape patterns on herb-layer diversity and seed size of Schima superba in urban remnant vegetation: A case study in Guangzhou, Southern China

In order to explore which ecological strategies the remnant vegetation is taken to adapt to urbanization, we investigated three kinds of typical remnant vegetation (grassland, plantation, and secondary forest) in 16 sample sites along the urban–rural gradient in the city of Guangzhou. In this study, we examined plant species composition, and plant diversity, and analyzed the seed of the dominant tree species Schima superba (S. superba) in the secondary forest sites. Those indicators are strongly related with ecological strategies. Eighteen landscape pattern characteristics were determined to reveal the extent of landscape fragmentation. Geographic Information System (GIS), linear regression, and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) were conducted to analyze the influence of landscape pattern characteristics on plant communities. Results showed that (1) Fragmentation of landscape patterns caused by urbanization has a negative impact on the diversity of herb-layer plants, the dominant species of grassland in the city center are mainly weeds, such as Bidens pilosa and Neyraudia reynaudiana. (2) In order to adapt to the pressure of landscape fragmentation, seeds of S. superba have developed into a larger size, with a competitive advantage over smaller ones. (3) Two different ecological strategies of plant communities adapting to urbanization: The pioneer weeds in grasslands, with high reproductive and dispersal ability, have adopted a r-selection strategy and the dominant tree species with higher survival rates, larger individuals, and longer life spans, have adopted a K-selection strategy to resist disturbance, as well as with a larger seed size to increase viability and settlement ability.

Effects of Herbaceous Plant Roots on the Soil Shear Strength of the Collapsing Walls of Benggang in Southeast China

Failure of collapsing walls is an important process affecting the development of Benggang and is closely related to the soil shear strength. Plant roots can increase the soil shear strength. However, the effects and mechanisms of root reinforcement on the soil shear strength of collapsing walls remain unclear. To explore the shear strength characteristics of collapsing walls and their influencing factors under different vegetation conditions, Pennisetum sinese, Dicranopteris dichotoma, Odontosoria chinensis, and Neyraudia reynaudiana were adopted as experimental objects in the Benggang district of Anxi County, Southeast China. We measured the root characteristics and in situ shear strength of root–soil complexes by dividing soil with the four vegetation conditions into five soil layers: 0–5 cm, 5–10 cm, 10–15 cm, 15–20 cm, and 20–25 cm. The average shear strength of the root–soil complexes of the various plants ranked as follows: Pennisetum sinese (30.95 kPa) > Odontosoria chinensis (28.08 kPa) > Dicranopteris dichotoma (21.24 kPa) > Neyraudia reynaudiana (14.99 kPa) > bare soil (11.93 kPa). The enhancement effect of the root system on the soil shear strength was mainly manifested in the 0–5 cm soil surface layer. The soil shear strength attained an extremely significant positive correlation with the root length density, root surface area density, root volume density, root biomass density, for root diameters (L) less than or equal to 0.5 mm and between 0.5 and 1 mm, the soil shear strength could be simulated by using root volume density. The shear strength of undisturbed root–soil complexes measured with a 14.10 pocket vane tester was higher than the value obtained with the Wu–Waldron model (WWM). The correction coefficient k′ varied between 0.20 and 20.25, mostly exceeding 1, and the average correction coefficient k′ value was 4.94. The average correction coefficient determined in this test can be considered to modify the WWM model when conducting experiments under similar conditions.

Effects of Neyraudia reynaudiana roots on the soil shear strength of collapsing wall in Benggang, southeast China

The collapse of collapsing walls is a key process during the Benggang development in southeast China and is closely related to the soil shear strength. Plant root reinforcement can effectively improve the soil shear strength. However, there are few studies on the effect of roots on the soil shear strength of collapsing walls. To explore the influence of roots on the soil shear strength of collapsing walls, the roots of Neyraudia reynaudiana was selected as the research object. This paper studies the tensile properties of the roots through root tensile tests and performs a direct shear test to study the influence of the roots on the soil shear strength by setting different mass moisture contents (15%∼30%) and root weight densities (0 ∼ 1.25 g 100 cm−3). Root tensile force is positively correlated with root diameter by a power function, while tensile strength is negatively correlated with diameter by a power function. Roots could increase the soil shear strength, and which was mainly reflected in cohesive force. The shear strength and cohesive force increase first then decrease with the increasing root density, while root density has no effect on the internal friction. The shear strength, cohesive force and internal friction of root-soil complex all decreased with increasing moisture content. The WWM (Wu and Waldron model) greatly overestimated the cohesion of herbaceous roots, and a new prediction model of the shear strength of root-soil composites was obtained by revising the WWM model by introducing the moisture content and root density (NSE = 0.94). In conclusion, Neyraudia reynaudiana roots could improve the soil shear strength, whereas the strengthening effect decreased under the condition of high moisture content. The results provide a basis for the selection and allocation of vegetation restoration measures in Benggang erosion in southern China.

Strength and size of phosphorus-rich patches determine the foraging strategy of Neyraudia reynaudiana

BackgroundUnder natural conditions, soil nutrients are heterogeneously distributed, and plants have developed adaptation strategies to efficiently forage patchily distributed nutrient. Most previous studies examined either patch strength or patch size separately and focused mainly on root morphological plasticity (increased root proliferation in nutrient-rich patch), thus the effects of both patch strength and size on morphological and physiological plasticity are not well understood. In this study, we examined the foraging strategy of Neyraudia reynaudiana (Kunth) Keng ex Hithc, a pioneer grass colonizing degraded sites, with respect to patch strength and size in heterogeneously distributed phosphorus (P), and how foraging patchily distributed P affects total plant biomass production. Plants were grown in sand-culture pots divided into ½, ¼, 1/6 compartments and full size and supplied with 0 + 0/30, 0 + 7.5/30 and 7.5 + 0/30 mg P/kg dry soil as KH2PO4 or 0 + 15/15, 0 + 18.5/ 18.5, 7.5 + 15/15 mg kg − 1 in the homogenous treatment. The first amount was the P concentration in the central region, and that the second amount was the P concentration in the outer parts of the pot.ResultsAfter 3 months of growth under experimental conditions, significantly (p < 0.05) high root elongation, root surface area, root volume and average root diameter was observed in large patches with high patch strength. Roots absorbed significantly more P in P-replete than P-deficient patches. Whole plant biomass production was significantly higher in larger patches with high patch strength than small patches and homogeneous P distribution.ConclusionThe result demonstrates that root morphological and physiological plasticity are important adaptive strategies for foraging patchily distributed P and the former is largely determined by patch strength and size. The results also establish that foraging patchily distributed P resulted in increased total plant biomass production compared to homogeneous P distribution.

Investigation of plant species and their heavy metal accumulation in manganese mine tailings in Pingle Mn mine, China.

Mine tailings are a characteristic of landscapes where mineral extraction has occurred and provide a prime opportunity for vegetation succession. In this study, soil heavy metal concentrations, plant composition and biodiversity, heavy metal accumulation, and their relationships were studied in the tailings of the Pingle Mn mine (abandoned for over 15years) in South China. The total heavy metal concentrations ranged from 440 to 15,590mgkg-1 for Mn, 5.01 to 20.7mgkg-1 for Cd, 101 to 319mgkg-1 for Pb, 546 to 1693mgkg-1 for Zn, and 116 to 180mgkg-1 for Cu. According to soil contamination assessment by single contamination indexes and the Nemerow multifactor index, the tailing soil had a heavy pollution level. According to ecological risk assessment by monomial potential ecological risk factors and potential ecological risk indexes, the tailing soil presented a high ecological risk level, to which Cd was the key contributor. A total of 13 plant species from 2 families (Gramineae and Compositae) successfully colonized the tailings. Importance values based on relative height, relative coverage, relative abundance, and relative frequency indicated that Neyraudia reynaudiana K. and Paspalum orbiculare F. were the dominant species. The species were multi-metal-tolerant species, and most of them were shoot accumulators, as their translocation factor values were above 1. Plants exhibited the highest bioconcentration factor for Pb, and the average values for roots, stems, and leaves were 2.56, 1.45, and 1.70, respectively. There were positive relationships (P < 0.01) between soil Mn, Cd, Zn, and Cu and plant Pb; similar results were found for soil heavy metals and leaf/stem Mn. The species composition in the tailings of the Pingle Mn mine was reflective of long-term vegetation succession, and the results obtained in this study provide insight for selecting plant species and reconstruction practices for Mn wasteland restoration.

A Back Propagation Neural Network Model Optimized by Mind Evolutionary Algorithm for Estimating Cd, Cr, and Pb Concentrations in Soils Using Vis-NIR Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy

Visible and near infrared spectroscopy is an effective method for monitoring the content of heavy metals in soil. However, due to the difference between polluted soil with phytoremediation and without phytoremediation, the common estimation model cannot meet accuracy requirements. To solve this problem, combined with an ecological restoration experiment for soil contamination using the plant Neyraudia reynaudiana, this study explored the feasibility of using a hyperspectral technology to estimate the heavy metal content (Cd, Cr, and Pb) of soil under phytoremediation. A total of 108 surface soil samples (from depths of 0–20 cm) were collected. Inversion models were established using partial least squares regression (PLSR) and the back propagation neural network optimized by a mind evolutionary algorithm (MEA-BPNN). The results revealed that: (1) modeling with derivative-transformed spectra can effectively enhance the correlation between soil spectral reflectance and heavy metal content. (2) Compared with the BP neural network model, the estimation accuracy (R2) was improved from 0.728, 0.737, and 0.675 to 0.873, 0.884, and 0.857 using the MEA-BP neural network model. The residual prediction deviation (RPD) values for the three heavy metals Cd, Cr, and Pb using the MEA-BPNN model were 2.114, 3.000, and 2.560, respectively. Among them, the estimated model of Cd was an excellent prediction. (3) Compared with PLSR, the model prediction results established by the MEA-BP neural network had higher estimation accuracy. In summary, the use of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to predict heavy metal content provides a theoretical basis for further study of the large-scale monitoring of soil heavy-metal pollution and its remediation evaluation in the polluted area, which is of great significance.

Cut-stem treatments using graminicides for burmareed (Neyraudia reynaudiana) invasions in Pine Rocklands, South Florida, USA

AbstractBurmareed [Neyraudia reynaudiana (Kunth) Keng ex Hitchc.] is an aggressive invader of pine rockland communities in south Florida. Currently, it is managed by clipping the stems and later returning, when plants have regrown to approximately 50 cm in height, to administer applications of glyphosate to new foliar growth (a “cut–return–treat,” or CRT, strategy). This multi-visit strategy is time-consuming and may result in off-target effects due to the broad-spectrum nature of glyphosate. With this study we evaluated a cut-stem (CS) approach, in which stems are cut and immediately treated with herbicide. Further, we tested the efficacy of the selective graminicides sethoxydim and fluazifop-P-butyl. In a pot study, CS treatments included: glyphosate (239.7 g ae L−1) in water, sethoxydim (9.0 g ai L−1) or fluazifop-P-butyl (12.1 g ai L−1) in either basal oil or water, and triclopyr (47.9 g ae L−1) in basal oil. All CS treatments provided mortality and growth reduction comparable to the best CRT treatments (glyphosate, sethoxydim, and fluazifop-P-butyl) and were therefore evaluated under field conditions using the same application rates. Mortality was low in the field (≤30%) regardless of herbicide treatment. Overall, fluazifop-P-butyl provided greater control than sethoxydim, resulting in 71% and 94% relative growth reduction in total shoot length with oil and water carriers, respectively, compared with 50% and 43% reduction for sethoxydim. Fluazifop also provided control similar to triclopyr and glyphosate (≥65% reduction in total shoot length). Results suggest that CS treatments may be a viable strategy for managing N. reynaudiana and reducing management costs. However, more research is needed to optimize rates. Further, fluazifop-P-butyl allows for a more selective option than glyphosate that may decrease off-target effects on native understory vegetation in pine rocklands.

Glycosyl Hydrolases Producing Bacterial Endophytes from Perennial Grass Species (Neyraudia reynaudiana L.) for biomass deconstruction

Endophytes associated with C4 perennial grasses are a treasure trove of biocatalysts, and have emerged as a viable option for biofuel production. Studies were conducted to investigate the production of extracellular cellulases and xylanases from newly isolated Bacillus tequilensis BT5 and Alcaligenes faecalis B12 from perennial grass (Neyraudia reynaudiana L.). The total cellulase activity (FPase) for B. tequilensis BT5 and A. faecalis B12 were recorded as 0.61 and 0.34 FPU.ml-1 at 28 h and 32 h, respectively. Similarly, β-glucosidase, carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) and exoglucanase activities of BT5 and B12 were 1.12 and 0.94 U.ml-1; 0.92 and 0.86 U.ml-1 ; 1.98 and 1.58 U.ml-1, respectively. Xylanase activities of 1.58 U.ml-1and 1.22 U.ml-1 at 28 h and 36 h for B. tequilensis BT5 and A. faecalis B12, respectively were also recorded. Furthermore, the presence of cellulases and xylanases genes was confirmed by PCR screening using the gene-specific primers. This study revealed that the cellulases and xylanases from endophytic bacteria from perennial grasses could serve as a natural reservoir for biomass deconstruction and production of cellulose derived commodities.

Effects of Vegetation Pattern and Spontaneous Succession on Remediation of Potential Toxic Metal-Polluted Soil in Mine Dumps

The ecological rehabilitation of potential toxic metal-contaminated soils in sites disturbed by mining has been a great challenge in recent decades. Phytoremediation is one of the most widely promoted renovation methods due to its environmental friendliness and low cost. However, there is a lack of in situ investigation on the influence of vegetation pattern and spontaneous succession on the rehabilitation of potential toxic metal-polluted soil. To clarify how the vegetation pattern in the early stage of restoration and the spontaneous succession influence the remediation of the soil, we investigated a metal mining dump in Sichuan, China, by field investigation and laboratory analysis. We determined the plant growth, soil fertility, and the capacity of potential toxic metals (PTMs) in metal mining soil under different initial vegetation patterns for different years to understand the role of vegetation pattern and spontaneous succession in PTM pollution phytoremediation projects. The results show that: (1) Phytoremediation with a simple initial vegetation pattern (RP rehabilitative plant pattern) which involves two rehabilitation plants, Agave sisalana and Neyraudia reynaudiana, achieves a PTM pollution index that is 9.28% lower than that obtained with the complex vegetation pattern (RP&amp;LP rehabilitation plants mixed with local plants pattern), 21.86% lower in the soil fertility index, and 73.69% lower in the biodiversity index; (2) The phytoremediation with the 10-year RP&amp;LP pattern was associated with a PTM pollution index that was 4.04% higher than that for the 17-year RP&amp;LP pattern, a soil fertility index that was 4.48% lower, and a biodiversity index that was 12.49% lower. During the process of vegetation succession, if accumulator plants face inhibition of growth or retreat, the reclamation rate will decrease. The vegetation patterns influence the effect of phytoremediation. Spontaneous vegetation succession will cause the phytoremediation process to deviate from the intended target. Therefore, according to the goal of vegetation restoration, choosing a suitable vegetation pattern is the main premise to ensure the effect of phytoremediation. The indispensable manipulation of succession is significant during the succession series, and more attention should be paid to the rehabilitative plants to ensure the stable effect of reclamation. The results obtained in this study could provide a guideline for the in situ remediation of PTM-polluted soil in China.

Effects of plant litter decomposition on chemical and microbiological characteristics of artisanal zinc smelting slag using indigenous methods

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of plant litter input on the chemical and microbiological characteristics of zinc smelting slag. A laboratory microcosm experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of litters from four specific plant species (Trifolium repens (TR), Rumex acetosa (RA), Buddleia davidii (BD), and Neyraudia reynaudiana (NR)) on slag quality after 90 days of litter decomposition. The nutrient and organic matter contents, enzyme activities, abundances of microbes, and availability of heavy metals were measured. The results showed that compared with the control treatment (CK), the four litter treatments significantly increased the concentrations of nutrients (N, P, K) and organic matter, enzyme activity (invertase, phosphatase, and urease), and the abundances of three dominant microbes (bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes) in the substrate. RA and TR litters showed the highest improvement in the nutrient contents and microbiological characteristics of slag. The presence of plant litters strongly influenced the availability of heavy metals, and the effect varied among plant litter species and types of heavy metals. For example, both TR and RA litters significantly increased the content of available Cu and reduced those of Cd and Pb, while all four litters significantly reduced Zn availability. A comprehensive evaluation of the abovementioned factors showed that the application of RA litter had a greater effect on the improvement of the micro-ecological environment and nutrient contents of the slag. This result suggested that the selection of suitable pioneer plant litter as an organic amendment could significantly enhance the quality of zinc smelting slag using indigenous methods.

Study of Some Highly Eroded Wasteland Soils of Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya and Its Bio-Rejuvenation Possibilities

Cherrapunjee has ragged terrains and deep slopes. Barren rocks without any vegetation cover are dominating feature of the area. Study on soil physico-chemical properties done for re-establishment of vegetation in near future. Soils were shallow, coarse textured, less fertile in terms of available nutrient (N, P, K and Ca, Mg), and are acidic. Soil erosion is severe. Dominant plant species are Saccharum spontanum, Neyraudia reynaudiana, Setaria glauca, Axonopus compressus, and Imperata cylindrica. Some dicotyledonous species such as Trifolium repens, Robustum spp, Schima wallichii, Eugenia sp., Musanda sp. Toona ciliata, Pandanus odoratissimus, Erythrina arborescens, Myrica esculenta, Pinus kesiya, Alnus nepalensis, Exbucklandia populania etc. were observed as natural vegetation in patches. Soil conservation practices such as bench terrace, stone bunding, grassed water ways etc. can be adopted. Soil erosion could be controlled by developing grasses and pasture land. Planting nitrogen fixing herbs and shrubs at the initial stage may be done for buildup of soil nutrient and organic matter. Soil mulching along with the fertilizer treatment may prove effective for initial establishment of plantation.

Changes in subcellular distribution and antioxidant compounds involved in Pb accumulation and detoxification in Neyraudia reynaudiana

The effects of increasing concentrations of lead (Pb) on Pb accumulation, subcellular distribution, ultrastructure, photosynthetic characteristics, antioxidative enzyme activity, malondialdehyde content, and phytochelatin contents were investigated in Neyraudia reynaudiana seedlings after a 21-day exposure. A Pb analysis at the subcellular level showed that the majority of Pb in the roots was associated with the cell wall fraction, followed by the soluble fraction. In contrast, the majority of the Pb in the leaves was located in the soluble fraction based on transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analyses. Furthermore, high Pb concentrations adversely affected N. reynaudiana cellular structure. The changes in enzyme activity suggested that the antioxidant system plays an important role in eliminating or alleviating Pb toxicity, both in the roots and leaves of N. reynaudiana. Additionally, the phytochelatin contents in the roots and leaves differed significantly between Pb-spiked treatments and control plants. Our results provide strong evidence that cell walls restrict Pb uptake into the protoplasm and establish an important protective barrier. Subsequent vacuolar compartmentalization in leaves could isolate Pb from other substances in the cell and minimize Pb toxicity in other organelles over time. These results also demonstrated that the levels of antioxidant enzymes and phytochelatin in leaves and roots are correlated with Pb toxicity. These detoxification mechanisms promote Pb tolerance in N. reynaudiana.

Root plasticity, whole plant biomass, and nutrient accumulation of Neyraudia reynaudiana in response to heterogeneous phosphorus supply

Purpose The aims of this study were to examine the adaptive mechanisms of Neyraudia reynaudiana, a pioneer species rapidly colonizing degraded sites, to heterogeneous phosphorus (P) distribution, and how foraging P distributed in patches affects whole-plant biomass and nutrient accumulation.

A Novel Triculture System (CC3) for Simultaneous Enzyme Production and Hydrolysis of Common Grasses through Submerged Fermentation.

The perennial grasses are considered as a rich source of lignocellulosic biomass, making it a second generation alternative energy source and can diminish the use of fossil fuels. In this work, four perennial grasses Saccharum arundinaceum, Panicum antidotale, Thysanolaena latifolia, and Neyraudia reynaudiana were selected to verify their potential as a substrate to produce hydrolytic enzymes and to evaluate them as second generation energy biomass. Here, cellulase and hemi-cellulase producing three endophytic bacteria (Burkholderia cepacia BPS-GB3, Alcaligenes faecalis BPS-GB5 and Enterobacter hormaechei BPS-GB8) recovered from N. reynaudiana and S. arundinaceum were selected to develop a triculture (CC3) consortium. During 12 days of submerged cultivation, a 55–70% loss in dry weight was observed and the maximum activity of β-glucosidase (5.36–12.34 IU) and Xylanase (4.33 to 10.91 IU) were observed on 2nd and 6th day respectively, whereas FPase (0.26 to 0.53 IU) and CMCase (2.31 to 4.65 IU) showed maximum activity on 4th day. Around 15–30% more enzyme activity was produced in CC3 as compared to monoculture (CC1) and coculture (CC2) treatments, suggested synergetic interaction among the selected three bacterial strains. Further, the biomass was assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The FTIR analysis provides important insights into the reduction of cellulose and hemicellulose moieties in CC3 treated biomass and SEM studies shed light into the disruption of surface structure leading to access of cellulose or hemicelluloses microtubules. The hydrolytic potential of the CC3 system was further enhanced due to reduction in lignin as evidenced by 1–4% lignin reduction in biomass compositional analysis. Additionally, laccase gene was detected from A. faecalis and E. hormaechei which further shows the laccase production potential of the isolates. To our knowledge, first time we develop an effective endophytic endogenous bacterial triculture system having potential for the production of extracellular enzymes utilizing S. arundinaceum and N. reynaudiana as lignocellulosic feedstock.

Evaluation of Burma Reed as Substrate for Production of Pleurotus eryngii

Burma reed (Neyraudia reynaudiana), a giant C4 grass, was included in substrate at the rates of 0, 20, 40 and 66% to partially or wholly substitute sawdust and cottonseed hulls to evaluate its suitability for Pleurotus eryngii cultivation. Inclusion of 20 and 40% Burma reed did not significantly affect linear mycelial growth, dry matter loss, spawn run period and fructification, and achieved high fruiting body yields and biological efficiency of 336.67g/bag, 67.33% and 342.15g/bag, 68.43%, respectively, which were not significantly different from 350.08g/bag to 70.02% obtained from the control substrate. Enzyme assay revealed that on the mixed substrates laccase and manganese peroxidase activity were significantly enhanced, but cellulase was significantly reduced in the middle stage of incubation as compared with the control substrate. Even on Burma reed substrate without sawdust and cottonseed hulls, fruiting body yield (313.56g/bag) and biological efficiency (62.71%) were satisfactory, although significantly lower than that on the control substrate. Therefore, Burma reed was a promising potential substrate for P. eryngii production to largely substitute sawdust and cottonseed hulls.

Lead, zinc and iron (Fe 2+) tolerances in wetland plants and relation to root anatomy and spatial pattern of ROL

Metal (Pb, Zn and Fe 2+) tolerances, root anatomy and profile of radial oxygen loss (ROL) along the root (i.e., spatial pattern of ROL) were studied in 10 emergent wetland plants. The species studied could be classified into three groups. Group I included Alternanthera philoxeroides, Beckmannia syzigachne, Oenanthe javanica and Polypogon fugax, with high ROL along the whole length of root (‘partial barrier’ to ROL). Group II included Cyperus flabelliformis, Cyperus malaccensis, Juncus effusus, Leersia hexandra and Panicum paludosum, ROL of which was remarkably high just behind the root apex, but decreased significantly at relatively basal regions (‘tight barrier’ to ROL). Group III consisted of only Neyraudia reynaudiana, with extremely low ROL along the length of root. The results indicated that metal tolerance in wetland plants was related to root anatomy and spatial pattern of ROL. Co-evolution of metal (Fe and Zn) tolerance and flood tolerance possibly developed in wetland plants since species showing a ‘tight barrier’ to ROL (a common trait of flood-tolerant species) in basal root zones had higher Fe and Zn tolerances than those showing a ‘partial barrier’. Root anatomy such as lignin and suberin deposition contributed to a ‘tight barrier’ in root and conferred to exclusion ability in tolerant species.

Evaluation of pulp and paper making characteristics of certain fast growing plants

Four species of fast growing annual plant viz.Hibiscus sabdariffa, Crotalaria juncea, Tephrosia candida andHibiscus cannabinus and a variety of reed, Neyraudia reynaudiana were evaluated in the laboratory for their pulp and paper making properties. Data on proximate chemical analysis of raw materials, unbleached and bleached pulp properties, morphological properties of fibres and physical strength properties of paper sheets were evaluated. The unbleached pulp yields were 44.90–53.20% with all the five plant materials, while bleached pulp yields varied from 39.80–50.60%. The average fibre lengths and diameters of the unbleached pulp obtained from the five plant species were within the range of 0.75 mm–2.15 mm and 20–22 pun respectively. Paper hand sheets, made with bleached pulps (45° SR) obtained from the five plant species, gave burst indices 2.75–3.92 kPa m2/g, tear indices 3.73–9.61 m N m2/g and tensile indices 37.27–47.81 N mg−1, indicating adequate strength properties for writing and printing type of paper.

Soil and vegetation contamination by iron-ore tailings

The soil and vegetation contamination by the iron-ore tailings, Ma On Shan in Hong Kong was investigated. The semi-bare ground was sparsely covered with herbaceous vegetation dominated by Neyraudia reynaudiana and Urena lobata. The soils were alkaline, low in organic carbon and basic nutrients, containing large amounts of fine particles together with high concentrations of some metals: Mg, Ca, Na, Fe, Mn and Cu. The uptakes of Mg, Fe, Mn and Cu by N. reynaudiana were also high compared with those growing on the control site. The harmful effect of the high metal contents in the tailings was further demonstrated by the cultivation of seedlings of Brassica parachinensis in the soil-water extracts. It was concluded that the factors governing the establishment and colonisation of the plants on the iron-ore tailings might be the high metal contents and other adverse edaphic factors.