Evaluation of heavy metals accumulation potential of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

Abstract

Heavy metals accumulation in crops and soils poses a significant threat to the human health. A study was carried out in 2016 in order to assess hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) ability to accumulate heavy metals and to reveal its possibility as a phytoaccumulator or phytostabilizer. Two soil types from Croatia were used in experimental pots: Gleysoils (alkaline soil) and Stagnic Luvisol (acid soil). Majority of the varieties accumulated more heavy metals in roots than in above-ground biomass. Removal of Cd, Ni, Pb, Hg, Co, Mo and As was higher in acid soil. Potential ability for phytostabilization was observed in alkaline soil in order Cu > Cr > Cd > Mo > Hg > Zn > Ni > Co > As > Pb, while for acid soil in order Zn > Cd > Cr > Ni > Hg > Cu > Mo > As > Co > Pb. Some varieties exhibited a translocation coefficient (TC) more than 1 and shown the ability of hyper-accumulation for Zn, Hg, Mo and Cd. Higher accumulation of heavy metals in some varieties could lead to their general application for phytoaccumulation of heavy metals from polluted soils.

Keywords

• bioaccumulation coefficient
• pH
• phytoaccumulation
• soil types
• translocation coefficient
• uptake