Accumulation Pattern of Heavy Metals in Chromolaena odorata (L.) King & Robins. Grown in Nutrient Solution and Soil

Abstract

Accumulation pattern of Al, Cd, Fe, Hg, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn in Chromolaena odorata plants grown in Hoagland nutrient solution and soil contaminated with known quantities of the above said metals was investigated. Significant variations in the quantity of accumulation as well as distribution among plant parts like root, stem and leaf were shown between the metals. Accumulation of Pb was maximum in the root followed by Fe and Al. Maximum quantity of each metal was accumulated in the root as compared to stem and leaf. Drastic differences in the accumulation pattern of metals between the nutrient solution and soil culture was observed. Comparatively small quantity of metal was accumulated in the plants of soil despite several fold quantity of each metal was given. The results are discussed in terms of BCF, TF, metal specificity as well as detoxification mechanisms.

Keywords

• bioaccumulation
• Chromolaena odorata
• heavy metals
• metal specificity