Screening of giant reed clones for phytoremediation of lead contaminated soils

Abstract

The contamination of soil with lead is one of the most common problems of pollution, especially in areas characterized by industrialization. Some species, such as the energy crop giant reed (Arundo donax L.), are particularly suitable to be cultivated in contaminated areas due to their capacity to attenuate and stabilize the contamination while bringing additional revenue to owners. In this context, this research work aimed to study the phytoremediation response of different Arundo donax L. clones to soils contaminated with lead (450 and 900 mg Pb kg-1, dry matter). Results showed that growth and biomass productivity of the studied giant reed clones were not significantly affected by the lead contamination. Genotypes 27 and 30 were the most productive in all levels of the tested Pb contaminations. Increased higher lead content in the biomass was obtained with increased lead contamination of the soil. Highest accumulation of lead was observed in the roots and rhizomes. Considering the totality of the biomass (aerial and belowground), a higher quantity of accumulated lead was obtained with genotypes 27 and 30. However, genotypes 22 and 27 are the most interesting in terms of phytoextraction once higher quantities of lead were accumulated in the harvestable biomass (leaves and stems).