Genetic Variability of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Genotypes in Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals-Contaminated Soil

SOIL contaminated with heavy metals negatively affects both the groundwater quality and the food production system. Heavy metals can be remediated from contaminated soil by phytoextraction. This study aims to illustrate the possible use of barley genotypes as a cheap, effective, safe and sustainable way to remediate contaminated soil. A set of 17 genotypes, including Egyptian and German varieties and wild accessions were sown under heavy metals contaminated and uncontaminated soil in a potted experiment for two years (2015/2016 and 2016/2017). Heavy metals concentrations including Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni and Zn were measured in grains and leaves, separately, for each genotype under contaminated and uncontaminated soils. Results showed that genotypes differed in their capability to accumulate different heavy metals in either grains or leaves. In addition, there were significant positive correlations between Al, Cr, Cu and Zn concentrations in grains under uncontaminated and contaminated soils. In conclusion, mixture of barley’s genotypes including Heines-Hanns, ICB 180410, Giza-126, Giza-129, Giza-130, Giza-2000, Pasadena and Barke might be used to remediate contaminated soil.