(cest2017_01406) Heavy Metals Accumulation in Plant Tissues of Satureja Cretica and Lathyrus Ochrus Grown in Contaminated Soils

摘要

Soil protection is crucial for the environment and is also beneficial for Human health. Among the pollutants found on contaminated sites, heavy metals contaminate a large portion of the biosphere. They are persistent inorganic elements that accumulate in the soils, contaminate aquifers and pose a threat to all living species. In this study, we examined the growth of the aromatic plant Satureja Cretica, and the pale pea Lathyrus Ochrus in heavy metal-polluted soils. The plants were exposed to different levels of Cd, Pb, and Ni in a soil pot experiment conducted in a green house. Toxic metal levels were determined in the roots and the leaves of the two plants. Both plants accumulated relatively high amounts of metals in their roots, whereas the aboveground parts exhibited lower accumulation capacity. Regarding the macroscopic effects, the roots of Satureja Cretica exhibited significant reduction in length and total mass in the concentration levels of Ni 600 ppm and Pb 2500 ppm, whereas the aerial part was reduced for the contamination level Ni 600 ppm. In the case of Lathyrus Ochrus, the root system of the condition Ni 600 also showed similar behaviour, so this level of contamination shows toxicity for both plants.