Seed Growth and Heavy Metals Uptake of Puccinellia distans (Jacq.) Parl.

The use of plants to remediate contaminated soil has been the most rapidly developing component in environmental cleansing. Although total concentration of heavy metals in soil is used for regulatory review, it also is beneficial to assess the potential for ecosystem impact through a series of bioassays. One commonly used bioassay is seed germination. In current research study effect of contaminated soil with heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe) on germination and growth of Puccinellia distans were evaluated. Shoot and root concentrations of metals were also measured. Data obtained from the experiment indicated that the plant perform dose-dependent responses to the contaminated soils. Reduction in germination, root and shoot height and biomass were significantly (P < 0.05) different when compared to the control. Analysis of tissue concentrations in the plant showed that heavy metals were mainly accumulated in the roots and also plant tissues demonstrated different affinity to take up heavy metals. In all the plant organs, the concentrations of heavy metals increased as the metals contents in the soil increased.