Sensitivity to zinc of Mediterranean woody species important for restoration
| Autor: | David Fuentes, Karen B. Disante, Jordi Cortina |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2010 |
| Předmět: |
Conservation of Natural Resources
geography Environmental Engineering geography.geographical_feature_category biology Quercus suber Deserts and xeric shrublands Tetraclinis biology.organism_classification Wood Pollution Trees Fagaceae Shrubland Zinc Biodegradation Environmental Rhamnus alaternus Spain Botany Environmental Chemistry Pinus pinaster Plant Structures Waste Management and Disposal Environmental Monitoring Woody plant |
| Zdroj: | Science of The Total Environment. 408:2216-2225 |
| ISSN: | 0048-9697 |
| Popis: | Heavy metals have increased in natural woodlands and shrublands over the last several decades as a consequence of anthropogenic activities. However, our knowledge of the effects of these elements on woody species is scarce. In this study, we examined the responses of six Mediterranean woody species to increasing levels of zinc in hydroponic culture and discussed the possible implications for the restoration of contaminated sites. The species used, Pinus pinea L., Pinus pinaster Ait., Pinus halepensis Mill., Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast., Rhamnus alaternus L. and Quercus suber L. represent a climatic gradient from dry sub-humid to semi-arid conditions. Zinc concentrations in shoots ranged from 53 microg g(-1) in Q. suber to 382 microg g(-1) in T. articulata and were well below the levels found in roots. Zinc inhibited root elongation and root biomass and changed the root length distribution per diameter class, but the magnitude of the effects was species-specific. Only P. halepensis and Q. suber showed toxicity symptoms in aboveground parts. Species more characteristic from xeric environments (T. articulata, R. alaternus and P. halepensis) were more sensitive to zinc than species from mesic environments (Q. suber, P. pinaster and P. pinea). According to the Zn responses and bioaccumulation, Q. suber P. pinea and P. halepensis are the best candidates for field trials to test the value of woody species to restore contaminated sites. None of the species tested seemed suitable for phytoremediation. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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