Effect of the combined addition of Zn and Pb on partitioning in sediments and their accumulation by the emergent macrophyte Schoenoplectus californicus

Abstract

Wetlands usually provide a natural mechanism that diminishes the transport of toxic compounds to other compartments of the ecosystem by immobilization and accumulation in belowground tissues and/or soil. This study was conducted to assess the ability of Schoenoplectus californicus growing in natural marsh sediments, with zinc and lead addition, to tolerate and accumulate these metals, taking account of the metal distribution in the sediment fractions. The Zn and Pb were mainly found in available (exchangeable) and potentially available (bound to organic matter) forms, respectively. The absorption of Zn and Pb by plants increased in sediments with added metals. Both metals were largely retained in roots (translocation factor < 1). Lead rhizome concentrations only increased significantly in treatments with high doses of metal independently of added Zn. The addition of Zn increased its concentration in roots and shoots significantly, while its concentration in rhizomes only increased when both metals were added together. Zinc concentration in shoots did not reach the toxic level for plants. Zinc and Pb concentrations in roots were high, but they were not sufficient to reduce biomass growth.

Steering restoration of coal mining degraded ecosystem to achieve sustainable development goal-13 (climate action): United Nations decade of ecosystem restoration (2021–2030)

“…heavy metal, PAH), and recover soil fertility and vegetation structure (Ahirwal and Pandey 2021 ). The phytoremediation approach should not only consider the accumulation of toxic compounds but also often coupled with natural attenuation to achieve recovery trajectory in native climate condition (Arreghini et al 2017 ; Maiti 2013 ). Therefore, native plants species are often selected to obtain the most efficient growth and also the metal accumulating properties because of their adaptability to the conditions and are sometimes required by local regulatory agencies due to concerns over invasive species.…”

Phytoprevention of Heavy Metal Contamination From Terrestrial Enhanced Weathering: Can Plants Save the Day?

“…For all three approaches, plants should be chosen that are adjusted to the local climate conditions, favoring native plant varieties (Arreghini et al, 2017;Wei et al, 2021). Further research and a large database of plants that can potentially ameliorate HM contamination would therefore greatly benefit the management of environmental consequences of TEW.…”

Germination and Early Seedling Growth of High Andean Native Plants under Heavy Metal Stress

“…The Central Andes region in Argentina is an Andean desert environment, characterized by a cold and dry climate, with scarce precipitation (120-300 mm/year) and high solar radiation [23]. Due to the harsh climatic conditions of this region, only native plant species are capable of overcoming these constraints, making them the most suitable to be considered for phytoremediation [24]. Numerous species of Fabaceae have been proposed as promising resources for phytoremediation due to their deep root system and their capability to establish a symbiotic relationship with soil nitrogen-fixing rhizobacteria.…”