Nickel and copper accumulation strategies in Odontarrhena obovata growing on copper smelter-influenced and non-influenced serpentine soils: a comparative field study

AbstractThe present investigation is the first in situ comparative study for the identification of Ni and Cu accumulation strategies involved inOdontarrhena obovata (syn.Alyssum obovatum (C.A. Mey.) Turcz.) growing in  Cu-rich smelter-influenced (CSI) and non-Cu-influenced (NCI) sites. The total and Na2EDTA (disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)-extractable metal concentration in soils and plant tissues (roots, stem, leaves and flowers) were determined for CSI and NCI sites. High concentrations of total Ni, Cr, Co and Mg in the soil suggest serpentine nature of both the sites. In spite of high total and extractable Cu concentrations in CSI soil, majority of its accumulation was restricted toO. obovata roots showing its excluder response. Since the translocation and bioconcentration factors of Ni  >  1 and the foliar Ni concentration >  1000 μg g−1, it can be assumed thatO. obovata has Ni hyperaccumulation potential for both the sites. No significant differences in chlorophyll content inO. obovata leaves were observed between studied sites, suggesting higher tolerance of this species under prolonged heavy metal stress. Furthermore, this species from CSI site demonstrated rather high viability under extreme technogenic conditions due to active formation of antioxidants such as ascorbate, free proline and protein thiols. The presence of Cu in higher concentration in serpentine soil does not exert detrimental effect onO. obovata and its Ni hyperaccumulatio...
Source: Environmental Geochemistry and Health - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research