Larrea tridentata Uptake of Trace Metals in Mine Tailings within an Arid Region of Nevada, USA
Journal Title: International Journal of Plant & Soil Science - Year 2016, Vol 9, Issue 5
Abstract
Larrea tridentata (creosote bush) growing in contaminated tailings of the Techatticup Mine in Nelson, Nevada were sampled and analyzed for trace metals. Samples were also collected outside the mine tailings to measure geogenic trace metal levels. These data show that some trace metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Co, Fe, Li) enter L. tridentata through root tissues, but at significantly lower levels than in the tailings area. Trace metals that enter the root are higher in concentration in the outer than in the inner root tissue, possibly due to L. tridentata blocking their absorption at the outer root surface. Data further show the plant’s ability to block the intake of these toxic trace metals that may adversely affect the plant. Statistical analysis suggests that certain metals, while not in high abundance, may be utilized by the plant for self-defense mechanisms or to aid in plant development. Finally, differences between plant components may be the result of hyper-accumulation of useful trace metals (e.g. B, Cr, Zn) and a blockage of potentially toxic trace metals (e.g. Cd, Pb, V).
Authors and Affiliations
Douglas B. Sims, Christopher J. Collumb, Vernon F. Hodge, Konstantinos I. Vatalis, George Valakas
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP351465
- DOI 10.9734/IJPSS/2016/22837
- Views 101
- Downloads 0
Soil Chemical Properties and Plant Nutrient Status as Influenced by Application of Lime, Phosphorus and Compost
Declining soil fertility along with soil acidity are major soil degradation problems affecting crop production in Ethiopian highlands. However, little effort has been done to investigate different soil amendment measures...
Impact of Ameliorative Phosphorus Fertilization on Soil, Maize and Wheat Status
Acid reaction and nutritional imbalances, mainly low levels of plant available phosphorus (P) are often limiting factors of soil fertility in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). The aim of this study was testing the impact of...
Allelopathic Root Leachate Effects of Lolium multiflorum x L. perenne on Crops and the Concomitant Changes in Metabolic Potential of the Soil Microbial Community as Indicated by the Biolog Ecoplate™
Plant roots serve a multitude of functions including anchorage, provision of nutrients and water, as well as production of exudates with growth regulatory properties. Some root exudate components may act as allelochemica...
Restorative Potential of Residual Soil Amendments and One-Year Fallow on Top Soil Chemical Properties of a Tropical Ultisol
Quantitative information on the contribution of residuals of soil nutrient management on natural nutrient recovery capacity of soil through fallowing is scanty. To evaluate the contributions, soil samples were collected...
Fertility Evaluation of Selected Top Soils for Crop Production in Ondo State, Nigeria
The soil resource of a nation is finite and its natural quality cannot be exchanged. However, maintenance of the good quality soil resource at a high level to support agricultural production is a key to poverty eradicati...