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

Heavy Metal and Phosphorus Contents of Jew's Mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) Plants Grown on Soil Amended with Phosphate, Bio and Organic Fertilizers

This study was conducted to assess the impact of different chemical, organic and bio fertilizers on growth, phosphorus and heavy metal (Zn, Cd, Co, Cu and Ni) contents of Jew's mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) plants. Pot...

Influence of Different Herbicide Levels on Nutrient Removal by Weeds and Uptake by Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2016 at College of Agriculture, Hassan, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru to evaluate different pre and post emergent herbicides on nutrient removal by weeds an...

Effect of Different Pretreatments on the Quality of Osmotic Dehydrated Ripe Sapota Slices

The investigation was carried out in the laboratory of post harvest technology, College of Horticulture, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India, during the year 2014-2015 to study the effect...

Planting Pits’ Effects on Soil Nutrients in a Sorghum and Pigeon Pea Rotation in Semi-arid Areas of Eastern Kenya

Planting pits are rain water harvesting structures that trap water and nutrients in surface runoff and rain water falling directly into the pits. Planting pits have been promoted for improving crop yields without conside...

Salinity Change in Different Soil Layers of Tomato Irrigated with Salty Water

Salt stress is one of the major abiotic stress factors that limit crop productivity, especially affecting the growth of plants in arid and semi-arid regions. These adverse effects of salt stress, which affects growth and...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP351465
  • DOI 10.9734/IJPSS/2016/22837
  • Views 114
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Douglas B. Sims, Christopher J. Collumb, Vernon F. Hodge, Konstantinos I. Vatalis, George Valakas (2016). Larrea tridentata Uptake of Trace Metals in Mine Tailings within an Arid Region of Nevada, USA. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 9(5), 1-11. https://europub.co.uk./articles/-A-351465