Heavy metals uptake by hyperaccumulating flora in some serpentine soils of Kosovo

Abstract

Ultramafics represent magmatic or metamorphic rocks which are characterized by high concentrations of Mg, Fe, Ni, Cr and Co and low concentrations of Ca, and K. Serpentine soils are weathered products of a range of ultramafic rocks composed of ferromagnesian silicates. The aim of this study was to determine the content of heavy metals in some of serpentine soils of Kosovo and heavy metals uptake by entire associated flora. Furthermore, another objective of this study was finding out bioavailable Ca/Mg relationship, which is very important indicator for plants' development. The sampling was conducted in June 2014. A total of three serpentine areas have been surveyed and 7 soil samples have been taken in various depths of soil profiles. Those samples were analyzed for total Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Fe and Zn. Results showed that each site exhibited a high concentration of at least one metal. The maximum concentrations of metals in soils Dry Matter (DM) were 108.9 mg kg -1 Cd, 95.8 mg kg -1 Co, 1206 mg kgCr, 24 mg kg -1 Cu, 2570 mg kg -1 Ni, 21.7 mg kg -1 Pb, 39 mg kg -1 Zn, and 51563 mg kg -Fe. The serpentine soils at all sites were characterized by elevated levels of heavy metals, which showed typical properties of ultramafic environments. Nickel Total at studied areas varied between 1543 and 2570 mg kg Based on our findings on the field we concluded that there is a close relationship between the quantity of Ni in soil and Ni uptake in plants.

Analysis of macro and micronutrient contents and spatial distribution for assessment at regional-scale: Case study Vushtrria region (Kosovo)

“…However, the concentration of Ni in the soil is related to soil characteristics, and the level of macro and micronutrients, while the toxic effect is related to the types of plants, climate, and their bioaccumulation ability, e.g. Alyssum markgra i plant tissues in the territory of Kosovo had a lower bioaccumulation factor than the same plant in the territory of Albania (Salihaj et al, 2016;Bani et al, 2013). Selenium (Se) was under < 4 µg/kg indicating that the analyzed soil had a low content of selenium.…”

Element accumulation by the holoparasitic species Cuscuta planiflora from serpentines in Bulgaria

“…This is the most widespread species of this genus among the hyperaccumulators of the Balkan Peninsula, distributed across almost the entire region except its western parts (Jakovljevi c et al, 2022;POWO, 2022). The Ni concentrations in various plant parts, both vegetative and reproductive, varied widely at different locations (Babalonas, 1984;Bani et al, 2010Bani et al, , 2021Jakovljevi c et al, 2022;Pavlova & Karadjova, 2012Salihaj et al, 2016;Tumi et al, 2012) but always had highest concentrations in leaves, followed by shoots. The second host species (S. minor) was selected for comparison because it was the only species (except O. muralis) infected by the parasite in the study area.…”

Unveiling neotropical serpentine flora: a list of Brazilian tree species in an iron saturated environment in Bom Sucesso, Minas Gerais

“…Serpentine soils are those holding 70% or more iron-magnesium compounds, leading to rocky soils with many degrees of nutritional imbalance, containing high concentrations of weathered ultramafic rocks (Salihaj, Bani, & Echevarria, 2016). They are drifted from ultramafic rocks, shaping environments with low capacity to hold water, nutrient deficit and plenty of toxic materials such as nickel, chrome, magnesium and iron (Anacker, 2014).…”