Interaction Between Cadmium and Lead and the Effects of These on the Concentration of Zinc and Manganese in Sunflower

The pollution of soil by heavy metals is considered to be quite a big problem in many areas of the world. To limit the accumulation of lead and cadmium from soil in the products, a correct understanding of the characteristics and specifications of the translocation of cadmium and lead is necessary. In order to evaluate the effects of cadmium and lead interaction on zinc and manganese concentration, three levels of cadmium (0, 100 and 200 mg/kg), and three levels of lead (0, 200 and 400mg/kg) were tested on a sunflower cultivar SHF81- 85 in a factorial experimental design with three replications. The results showed that cadmium has increased the cadmium and lead concentration in the shoot and root, while the effects of lead, were only significant on the concentration of lead in the shoot, and the concentration of both cadmium and lead in the root (p < 0.05). Cadmium and lead revealed a preventing effect on zinc and manganese concentration in the root and shoot of the plant. More investigations at field conditions are recommended.