[Eco-toxicological effects of heavy metals on the inhibition of seed germination and root elongation of Chinese cabbages in soils]

Huan Jing Ke Xue. 2002 Jan 30;23(1):103-7.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

The Eco-toxicity effects of individual Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd on the inhibition of seed germination and root elongation of Chinese cabbages (Brassica pekimensis) were tested in four types of soils (red loam soils, meadow brown soils, chestnut soils and dark brown soils) and water solution. The combined effects of heavy metals pollution were determined with meadow brown soils. Results indicated that with same concentration, the inhibition rates of heavy metals on root elongation of Chinese cabbages are stronger than that on the seed germination. The inhibition effects of heavy metals on the root elongation of Chinese cabbages in soils are much lower than that in water, indicating that soils play an important role of buffering on heavy metals pollution. Inhibition rates of heavy metals on the root elongation (IRHMRE) of Chinese cabbages are significantly negative related with the contents of organic matter (OR) and Kjedahl-nitrogen (K-N) in soils, however, there is no significant related between IRHMRE and soil pH, so does the content of T-K. In the concentrations that result in the irritated effect in the single form of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd pollution, synergic effects are produced significantly when four heavy metals are combined. As the results, the threshold values that result in the inhibition effects on root elongation in Chinese cabbages decrease markedly.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Brassica / drug effects
  • Cadmium / toxicity
  • Copper / toxicity
  • Drug Synergism
  • Germination / drug effects*
  • Lead / toxicity
  • Metals, Heavy / toxicity*
  • Plant Roots / drug effects*
  • Plant Roots / growth & development
  • Soil Pollutants / toxicity*
  • Zinc / toxicity

Substances

  • Metals, Heavy
  • Soil Pollutants
  • Cadmium
  • Lead
  • Copper
  • Zinc