Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Applicability of energy crops for metal phytostabilization of soils moderately contaminated with copper, nickel and zinc

Author(s):

Jolanta Korzeniowska ^1*, Ewa Stanisławska Glubiak ¹, Janusz Igras ²

Recieved Date: 2011-06-16, Accepted Date: 2011-10-03

Abstract:

Areas polluted with trace elements can be utilized by cultivation of energy crops. In 2007-2008 a microplot experiment was conducted, using willow (Salix viminalis), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) and energy maize (Zea mays) at a site in south-west Poland. Microplots with cement borders, measuring 1 m×1 m×1 m, were filled with Haplic Luvisols soil. Simulated soil contamination with Zn, Cu and Ni was used in the following combinations: control – no metals, Cu₁ 50, Cu₂ 100, Cu₃200, Ni₁ 40, Ni₂ 80, Ni₃ 160, Zn₁ 200, Zn₂ 400 and Zn₃ 800 mg kg^-1. The test plants were planted in spring, a year after the metals were introduced to the soil. The microplots were watered when rainfall was in deficit. The analysis of yields proved that willow was the most tolerant to Cu, Ni and Zn soil contamination and therefore can be used as a reclamation plant for land polluted with each of those metals separately or jointly. Additionally, maize showed the highest sensitivity to Ni and Cu, and reed canary grass to Zn excess in soil. Thus, these species are not suitable for areas polluted with those metals, respectively. The analysis of metal content in plant tissue revealed that Cu and Ni were accumulated in roots rather than in shoots, except for willow foliage with elevated Ni content. Zinc was accumulated in shoots in higher amount than Cu or Ni, especially in willow. Leaves of willow accumulated twofold more Zn than roots.

Keywords:

Contamination, copper, nickel, zinc, phytostabilization, willow, reed canary grass, maize, tolerance

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2011
Volume: 9
Issue: 3&4
Category: Environment
Pages: 693-697

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