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

Abstract

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