Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

The potential of different plant species for heavy metals accumulation and distribution

Author(s):

Radmila Filipović Trajković ¹ , Zoran S. Ilić ^2*, Ljubomir Sunić, Snezana Andjelković ³

Recieved Date: 2011-11-18, Accepted Date: 2012-01-03

Abstract:

Different plant organs (leaves, flowers, stems or roots) from naturally occurring wild plants and trees, and cultivated plants (vegetables and fruits) were evaluated as possible bioindicators of heavy-metal pollution in the Republic of Serbia. Concentrations of Pb, Zn and Cd were determined in plant parts collected from areas with different degrees of metal pollution (Kosovska Mitrovica – industrial area and Leposavić – control area). Accumulation and distribution of heavy metals in the plant depend on the plant species, the levels of the metals in the soil and air, the element species and bioavailiability, pH, cation exchange capacity, climacteric condition, vegetation period and multiple other factors. The highest amounts of heavy metals were found in the root of the sensitive Plantago major (Pb 660, Zn 2300 and Cd 33.25 µg g^-1 d.w.) and less in the resistant Rumex acetosella. In over ground organs the highest amounts of heavy metals were found in the leaves (283 µg g^-1d.w. Pb) and then in the fruits (3,5-136 µg g^-1) and vegetables (1.5-13 µg g^-1). In this study, the bark of Robimia pseudoacacia was a better bioindicator of heavy-metal pollution than other plant parts. Summarizing the results, it can be concluded that R. pseudoacacia, P. major and R. acetosella were better metal accumulators and fruits and vegetables were metal avoiders.

Keywords:

Heavy metals, plant, accumulation, distribution

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2012
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Category: Environment
Pages: 959-964

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