Zinc tolerance and accumulation in the ferns Polypodium cambricum L. and Pteris vittata L.
Zn uptake and compartmentalisation were studied in two ferns, the European Polypodium cambricum L., a possible Zn tolerant, and the sub-tropical Pteris vittata L., an As accumulator also able to accumulate Zn. Ferns growing in hydroponic systems were exposed to Zn concentrations ranging from non-toxic to lethal doses (0, 50, 125, 250, 500 mg kg(-1) as ZnSO4). After treatments, the following analyses were made: photosynthetic efficiency (Handy PEA), anatomical symptoms (optical and scanning electron microscopy), determination of Zn in fronds, rhizome and roots (atomic emission spectrometry, ICP-AES). Both species showed high bioconcentration and bioaccumulation factors, but low translocation factor, indicating Zn sequestration in the root/rhizome system. P. cambricum was more resistant to Zn, while P. vittata suffered from unrestricted uptake leading to macro- and microscopical damages and plant death. Data suggest that P. cambricum could be suitable for phytostabilisation of Zn-contaminated soils in temperate areas.
Roccotiello
Enrica
E
Università degli Studi di Genova, DIP.TE.RIS., Polo Botanico Hanbury, Corso Dogali 1 M, I-16136 Genova, Italy. enrica.roccotiello@unige.it
Manfredi
Alice
A
Drava
Giuliana
G
Minganti
Vincenzo
V
Giorgio Mariotti
Mauro
M
Berta
Graziella
G
Cornara
Laura
L
D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D018533:Biomass; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D032494:Polypodium / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D032495:Pteris / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000633:toxicity*; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic; D015032:Zinc / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000633:toxicity*
D012989:Soil Pollutants; D015032:Zinc