The influence of nickel and lead on the root lenght of willow clones (Salix spp.)

Abstract

Heavy metals are major environmental pollutants. Their toxic effects are manifested in various functional and structural levels of plant organism. Plant species have different ability to uptake and translocate the metals from roots to aboveground organs. At the same time, heavy metals usually have a negative effect on the physiological processes of plants, their anatomy and morphology. However, the results of this study indicate that some heavy metals such as Ni and Pb can have positive effects on plant body. In two willow clones (Salix alba and Salix nigra) the influence of two concentrations of nickel and lead (10^-4 M and 10^-5 M) on root length was investigated. In both cases the applied heavy metals had a positive effect on the percentage of change in root length compared with a control group of plants. The results indicate that the species Salix nigra, clone 0408, has a higher resistance to elevated concentrations of heavy metals, which could have potential use in phytoremediation projects.