Evaluation of Plant Metal Content and Biomass Yield for the Phytoextraction of Pb and Cd by Hydroponically Cultivated Crop

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the hyperaccumulation and phytoextraction capacities of TR3080 (sunflower), Blackwell (swtichgrass) and Linas (safflower) varieties toward lead and cadmium heavy metals. Plants are grown in 5 Pb (0, 25, 50, 100, 150 mg kg(-1)) and 5 Cd (0, 1, 5, 10, 20 mg kg(-1)) concentrations of Hoagland solution. In Pb concentrations of TR3080, root and shoot growth did not decrease. Blackwell was the variety that could absorb the highest amount of Pb in its root and shoot. Both of the variety continued their growth under Pb and showed property of accumulating high amounts of Pb; these facts indicate that they have hyperaccumulation capacity. High BCF and TF values in Pb concentrations of TR3080, Blackwell, and Linas yielded that these varieties could be used for phytoextraction in Pb contaminated soils. In all varieties, although a decrease in growth as a result of high Cd concentrations was observed, they could store high amounts of Cd and high BCF values were recorded. Nevertheless, TF values of all varieties were low. Therefore, usability of TR3080, Blackwell, and Linas varieties for remediation of Cd contaminated areas by phytostabilization should be considered.