Factors influencing uptake of contaminated particulate matter in leafy vegetables

Abstract

The contents of cadmium, iron, lead and zinc in the biomass of two species of leafy vegetables after urban particulate matter (PM) application was investigated in lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) and chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla). The experimental design consisted of four variables: i) two different soil types, ii) two vegetables, iii) two size fractions of contaminated particulate matter (PM) (0.063–0.119 mm, and <0.063 mm), and iv) foliar and soil application of the PM. The aliquots of the PM samples were applied to the soil before the experiment and as a foliar suspension during plant growth. The element uptake by plant biomass was significantly higher via foliar application, simulating the atmospheric deposition, than via the roots from the soil application treatment. The content in plants increased rapidly compared to the control treatment for the elements iron, lead and zinc. Gently washing the leaves only slightly reduced the amounts of Fe and Zn. However, the majority of Pb was removed by washing with the concentration dropping from 3000% to 500%. The effect of PM application on Cd contents in plant leaves was negligible, in most cases. Lettuce exhibited higher element uptake compared to chard. No adverse effects of PM application on growth parameters of the vegetables were observed. No significant differences were reported for particle size fractions of PM. Fluvisol soils had a higher element uptake via roots than Chernozem soils. Moreover, the addition of PM into the Fluvisol altered the sorption properties of the soil resulting in a lower Cd uptake by plants growing in PM amended Fluvisols.

Particulate Matter Accumulation on Apples and Plums: Roads Do Not Represent the Greatest Threat

“…It is worth noting that the adverse effects of airborne PM on edible plants (biomass reduction, mechanical damage) are not always apparent, suggesting that these may be accumulated in high amounts on the plant's surface and in wax before symptoms of toxicity become visible [25]. Similar observations have been made for cabbage and spinach treated with PM enriched with heavy metals.…”

Plants and Atmospheric Aerosols

“…Indirect effects of aerosols are mediated by changes in radiation penetration through the atmosphere, considered above, and through changes in soil chemistry (Zalud et al 2012). Aerosol may be deposited directly to soil or may transiently reside on leaf or stem surfaces.…”

Liquid amphiphilic polymer for effective airborne dust suppression

“…[3][4][5][6] PM also negatively inuences plant growth, containing numerous risk elements that can penetrate the leaf surface or indirectly be adsorbed via soil-root interaction. [7][8][9] Therefore, methods to mitigate airborne PM pollution are required for human and environmental health.…”