title: Sensitivity to zinc of Mediterranean woody species important for restoration.
abstract: Heavy metals have increased in natural woodlands and shrublands over the last several decades as a consequence of anthropogenic activities. However, our knowledge of the effects of these elements on woody species is scarce. In this study, we examined the responses of six Mediterranean woody species to increasing levels of zinc in hydroponic culture and discussed the possible implications for the restoration of contaminated sites. The species used, Pinus pinea L., Pinus pinaster Ait., Pinus halepensis Mill., Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast., Rhamnus alaternus L. and Quercus suber L. represent a climatic gradient from dry sub-humid to semi-arid conditions. Zinc concentrations in shoots ranged from 53 microg g(-1) in Q. suber to 382 microg g(-1) in T. articulata and were well below the levels found in roots. Zinc inhibited root elongation and root biomass and changed the root length distribution per diameter class, but the magnitude of the effects was species-specific. Only P. halepensis and Q. suber showed toxicity symptoms in aboveground parts. Species more characteristic from xeric environments (T. articulata, R. alaternus and P. halepensis) were more sensitive to zinc than species from mesic environments (Q. suber, P. pinaster and P. pinea). According to the Zn responses and bioaccumulation, Q. suber P. pinea and P. halepensis are the best candidates for field trials to test the value of woody species to restore contaminated sites. None of the species tested seemed suitable for phytoremediation.
authors.affiliation: Dept. de Ecología - Instituto Multidisciplinar para el Estudio del Medio Ramón Margalef (IMEM), Universidad de Alicante, Ap 99, 03080 Alicante, Spain. kb.disante@ua.es
authors.forename: Karen B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Disante
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fuentes
authors.forename: Jordi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cortina
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D018514:Plant Structures / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D013030:Spain; D014197:Trees / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D014934:Wood / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D015032:Zinc / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D015032:Zinc