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High levels of four heavy metals on the iron status of plants

Journal Article · · Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal.; (United States)

Bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cultivar Improved Tendergreen) were grown for three weeks in a simulated calcareous soil (Yolo loam + 2 percent CaCO/sub 3/) with Co, Ni, Zn, and Cu applied as sulfates at the rate of 1000 ppM metal on the dry soil basis. Iron at 5 ppM as Fe EDDHA (ethylenediamine di(o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid)) was applied to half the plants to test its ability to overcome any of the apparent Fe deficiency induced by heavy metals. Cobalt and Ni were the most toxic of the four metals; Cu was next with only mild effects due to Zn. Copper decreased Fe concentration in shoots while Ni increased it. Nickel decreased Mn in shoots; Zn and Co increased Mn in shoots. The FeEDDHA overcame none of these toxic effects of heavy metals even though the symptoms were similar to those of Fe deficiency. Nickel decreased the total quantity of cations in leaves.

Research Organization:
Univ. of California, Los Angeles
OSTI ID:
7272875
Journal Information:
Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal.; (United States), Journal Name: Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal.; (United States) Vol. 7:1; ISSN CSOSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English