Bioaccumulation and Bioconcentration of Pb in the Tissues of Zea mays L.
Benjamin R. de Jesus1* and Orlex B. Yllano2
1Environmental Science Program, College of Science and Natural Sciences Research Institute, University of the Philippines, 1101, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
2Biology Department and University Research Center
Adventist University of the Philippines, Puting Kahoy, Silang, 1099 Cavite, Philippine
corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ABSTRACT
The bioaccumulation (BA) and bioconcentration factor (BCF) of lead (Pb) in the root and shoot tissues of corn seedlings were investigated in potted field conditions and were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Results indicated significant difference on the BA of Pb in the root and the shoot tissues of corn exposed to various Pb(NO3)2 concentrations. Significant (at P<0.05) increase of Pb BA (2930.9 µg/g) in the root tissues was observed at 5000 mg/kg treatment. Moreover, significant (at P<0.05) BA values of 46.67, 43.54, and 50.93 µg/g of Pb in the shoot tissues were recorded at 100, 2000, and 5000 mg/kg treatments, respectively. BCF of 0.760, 0.450, 1.25, 0.697, and 0.937 at different treatments (control, 100, 500, 2000, and 5000 mg/kg treatments respectively) were determined in the root tissues. Compared to the roots, much lower BCF values of 0.205, 0.746, 0.038, 0.035, and 0.016 in the shoots were recorded at the control, 100, 500, 2000, and 5000 treatments, respectively. Higher BA values and enhanced BCF suggest that Zea mays L. IPB var. 911 may be considered to ameliorate Pb-contaminated soils. In situ identification and characterization of indigenous and tolerant plant species in heavy metal contaminated areas are necessary for future investigation.
INTRODUCTION
Industrialization is usually coupled with tremendous amounts of waste, which poses a constant threat to living organisms. One of the components of these wastes are heavy metals from urban compost (Paino et al. 1996), waste water . . . .
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