title: Evaluation of lead toxicity in Erica andevalensis as an alternative species for revegetation of contaminated soils.
abstract: Although revegetation using native flora is a low cost way to stabilize soil and restore the landscape contaminated with metals, little is known regarding the Pb-tolerance of many of these species. For this purpose, we evaluated the tolerance of Erica andevalensis to Pb by growing plants in nutrient solutions with increasing concentrations of Pb (up to 100 microM). Plant growth and different physiological parameters were determined to ascertain tolerance to metal stress. Additionally, an electron microscopy study coupled with EDX-analysis was performed to get clues on the Pb uptake and translocation from roots into stem and leaves. The LOEC (the lowest observed effect concentration) of Pb was 40 microM while the IC50 (inhibition concentration) was 80 microM Pb. Chemical analysis revealed a root > stem > leaf accumulation pattern. There was a severe reduction in fresh biomass and chlorophyll concentration at the highest Pb dose. The SEM-EDX study indicated that Pb was mostly located in root epidermal tissues. The blockage of Pb on the root probably avoided its toxic effects by limiting Pb transport to other tissues.
authors.affiliation: Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (UGR-CSIC), Granada, Spain. mdmingorance@iact.ugr-csic.es
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Mingorance
authors.forename: E O
authors.initials: EO
authors.lastname: Leidi
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Valdés
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rossini Oliva
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001692:Biological Transport; D018533:Biomass; D029791:Ericaceae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D018527:Hydroponics; D007854:Lead / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D009195:Peroxidase / Q000378:metabolism*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D018547:Plant Stems / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000633:toxicity
chemical_list: D010940:Plant Proteins; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D007854:Lead; D009195:Peroxidase