Effects of metal-contaminated soil on the performance of young trees growing in model ecosystems under field conditions.
Young Populus tremula, Salix viminalis, Betula pendula and Picea abies trees were grown together in large open-top chambers. The treatments were: without or with (Cu/Zn/Cd/Pb=640/3000/10/90 mg kg-1) metal contamination in the topsoil, irrigation pH 3.5 or 5.5, and acidic or calcareous subsoil. Growth, metal allocation to foliage and wood, as well as leaf gas exchange were measured. Biomass was reduced in P. tremula and B. pendula by the metal-contaminated topsoil relative to uncontaminated topsoil, whereas in P. tremula photosynthesis and transpiration were decreased. These effects were related to the elevated foliar Zn accumulation in P. tremula. S. viminalis showed a significant reduction in growth and an increased Zn and Cd accumulation on acidic vs. calcareous subsoil. Acidic irrigation produced only a few significant effects. P. abies showed the lowest metal uptake and no growth response to metal contamination.
Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zürcherstr. 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland.
Sandra
S
Hermle
Madeleine S
MS
Günthardt-Goerg
Rainer
R
Schulin
D029662:Betula / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D018533:Biomass; D002104:Cadmium / Q000633:toxicity; D002119:Calcium Carbonate; D003300:Copper / Q000633:toxicity; D004463:Ecology; D017753:Ecosystem; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007854:Lead / Q000633:toxicity; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000633:toxicity*; D010788:Photosynthesis; D028222:Picea / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D018526:Plant Transpiration; D032107:Populus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D032108:Salix / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D014197:Trees / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D015032:Zinc / Q000633:toxicity
D019216:Metals, Heavy; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D002104:Cadmium; D007854:Lead; D003300:Copper; D002119:Calcium Carbonate; D015032:Zinc