Evaluation ofAtriplex Halimus,Medicago LupulinaandPortulaca OleraceaFor Phytoremediation of Ni, Pb, and Zn

Abstract

Suitable plant species are able to accumulate heavy metals and to produce biomass useful for non-food purposes. In this study, three endemic Mediterranean plant species, Atriplex halimus, Portulaca oleracea and Medicago lupulina were grown hydroponically to assess their potential use in phytoremediation and biomass production. The experiment was carried out in a growth chamber using half strength Hoagland's solutions separately spiked with 5 concentrations of Pb and Zn (5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg L(-1)), and 3 concentrations of Ni (1, 2 and 5 mg L(-1)). Shoot and root biomass were determined and analyzed for their metals contents. A. halimus and M. lupulina gave high shoot biomass with relatively low metal translocation to the above ground parts. Metals uptake was a function of both metals and plant species. It is worth noting that M. lupulina was the only tested plant able to grow in treatment Pb50 and to accumulate significant amount of metal in roots. Plant metal uptake efficiency ranked as follows: A. halimus > M. lupulina > P. oleracea. Due to its high biomass production and the relatively high roots metal contents, A. halimus and M. lupulina could be successfully used in phytoremediation, and in phytostabilization, in particular.

Potential use of Sorghum bicolor and Carthamus tinctorius in phytoremediation of nickel, lead and zinc

“…High content of Pb was found in the roots for all species under our conditions. Similar results were obtained by Amer et al (2013) who conducted similar experiment on A. halimus, M. sativa and P. oleracea, and they found similar concentrations that were accumulated in plant roots. This high Pb concentration could be due to the low biomass of the roots, which results in high concentration of the metal in the roots, or could be due also to the precipitation of the metal on the root surface.…”

“…These results are in accordance with Kachout et al (2009) who reported that even if Ni is an essential element for plants at low concentrations, it is, however, extremely toxic at high concentrations on the annual halophytes Atriplex hortensis and Atriplex rosea. These results were confirmed by Amer et al (2013) who studied the effect of Ni on Atriplex halimus, Portulaca oleracea and Medicago lupulina. Moreover, several enzyme activities depend on the presence of Ni ion, which can explain the promoting effects of low Ni concentrations on plant growth and development (Gerendas and Sattelmacher 1999).…”

“…Our findings are in disagreement with many studies showing that small amounts of Pb in plant tissues may have a stimulation effect on Brassica juncea (L.) (Liu et al 2000). In addition, our results are in contrast with Amer et al (2013) who found that Pb at low concentration has a stimulation effect on A. halimus, P. oleracea and M. lupulina. Toxicity symptoms and biomass reduction are some of the physiological responses to metals exposure exhibited by plants.…”

“…Relative performance of the species tested hydroponically broadly corresponded to those observed in the field (Watson et al 2003). Recently, many experiments were conducted using hydroponic experiment as a rapid plant screening test for metal tolerance and phytoremediation purposes (Amer et al 2013). Hydroponic screening is a rapid test that could reflect the performance of the tested plant species in the field (Utmazian et al 2007).…”

Cadmium and Lead content in Liver and Kidney tissues of Wild Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura (Linneo, 1758) from Chañaral, Atacama desert, Chile

“…Furthermore, some plants can incorporate these elements (Kabata-Pendias 2004, Anning et al 2013, Amer et al 2013, however it is important to assess the incorporation of these elements in the primary consumers, and the rest of the trophic networks. For example, high levels of heavy metals and other chemicals have been found in several species, such as waterfowl (Oxyura leucocephala) (Taggart et al 2009), cormorants and gannets (Martin et al 2008) and several species of raptors (Mendoza et al 2006, Pérez-López et al 2008, Garcia-Fernandez et al 2008) and vultures (van Wyk et al 2001, Hermoso de Mendoza et al 2006, Nam & Lee 2009).…”