Popis: |
Two habitats with soil structure typical for mine heaps but differing in heavy metal contamination were selected: the site A with high soil concentrations of Zn–Pb–Cd, and the site B with Cu-rich soil. Species poor vegetation with specific structure and dominating metal tolerant plants including populations of Arabidopsis arenosa and Rumex acetosella has developed in both sites. Accumulation of Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cu by the plants of these populations differed according to soil metal concentration. Translocation of Zn into the leaves was remarkable in both species growing in the substrate rich in Zn. Tolerance of Zn and Cu assessed using tests of cellular tolerance, tolerance index (TI), and root system development showed differences between the populations of each species, according to soil contamination to which they had been adapted. Differences between the species concerned a better Zn and Cu tolerance in R. acetosella. The diverse responses of the populations suggest the existence of distinct ecotypes in A. arenosa and R. acetosella. |