Photosynthesis and growth responses of giant reed ( Arundo donax L.) to the heavy metals Cd and Ni

• Published in: Environment international Vol. 31; no. 2; pp. 243 - 249
• Main Authors: Papazoglou, E.G., Karantounias, G.A., Vemmos, S.N., Bouranis, D.L.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2005; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adaptation, Physiological; Applied sciences; Arundo donax; Biological and medical sciences; Biotechnology; Cadmium; Cadmium - toxicity; Decontamination. Miscellaneous; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Environment and pollution; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Growth; Heavy metals; Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects; Miscellaneous; Nickel; Nickel - toxicity; Photosynthesis; Poaceae - chemistry; Poaceae - growth & development; Pollution; Pollution, environment geology; Soil and sediments pollution; Water Pollutants - toxicity; Water Supply; Greece; Europe; Cadmium; Nickel; Arundo donax; Photosynthesis; Growth; Heavy metals; Monocotyledones; Toxicity; In situ; Biomass; Soil pollution; Heavy metal; Phytotoxicity; Decontamination; Gramineae; Angiospermae; Hyperaccumulator; Spermatophyta; Bioremediation; Biological accumulation
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2004.09.022
• ISSN: 0160-4120

Giant reed ( Arundo donax L.) was grown on surface soil and irrigated with mixed heavy metal solutions of Cd(II) and Ni(II) to study the impact of these heavy metals on its growth and photosynthesis. The tested concentrations were 5, 50, and 100 ppm for each heavy metal against the control and resulted in high cadmium and nickel (DTPA extractable) concentrations in the top zone of the pot soil. The examined parameters, namely, stem height and diameter, number of nodes, fresh and dry weight of leaves, and net photosynthesis (Pn) were not affected, indicating that plants tolerate the high concentrations of Cd and Ni. As giant reed plants are very promising energy plants, they can be cultivated in contaminated soils to provide biomass for energy production purposes.