The influence of the nutrients and the soil ph on Cadmium and Zinc uptake by the Brassica Napus

Abstract

The paper presents studies concerning the effect of application of nutrients and the soil pH changes on the phytoremediation potential of Brassica napus. The soil was collected around the metal plating factory from Iasi County, Romania. Soil pH was adjusted to 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0 by the addition of Na2HPO4. The nutrients containing 15% nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus and were applied in quantities of 2 g, 4 g and 6 g. Brassica napus was grown in enameled steel pots in greenhouse conditions, being irrigated with a constant amount of water every tree days, during a total time of experiment of 70 days. The plant was sowed in two replicates using the selected seeds and the pH of soil mentioned above. Harvesting was made at the end of the vegetation period and the distribution of Cadmium and Zinc ions content in roots, shoots and leaves was pointed out. We have been observed that Brassica napus produced greater biomass in the pH range 7.0 – 8.0 than at pH 6.0. Regarding the influence of nutrients, they have contributed to the increase of plant biomass but not in the accumulation of highest amounts of Cd and Zn. The content of Cadmium and Zinc in both soil and plants samples were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Taking in consideration the best removal performances