不同土壤生境下斑茅对重金属的富集特征

为了筛选Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd多重金属离子的富集植物,对不同土壤生境(铜铁矿、钨矿、铅锌矿和无矿场污染)的优势种斑茅(Saccharum arundinaceum(Retz.)Jeswiet)对Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd离子富集情况进行了调查。结果表明,斑茅对Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd离子有富集优势并以Cu富集显著,斑茅根系土壤与斑茅地上部Cu含量存在相关性(P<0.05),斑茅对Pb和Cd的富集与转运存在极显相关性(P<0.01);在强酸、多金属污染弃耕农田土壤中,斑茅不仅符合Cu超富集植物的特征,而且其对Zn、Pb和Cd3种重金属的富集系数和转运系数均>1。在Cd、Cu、Pb和Zn均低于国家土壤环境质量二级标准(GB15618-1995)的弃耕农田中,斑茅对Cu、Zn和Cd的富集系数均>1。研究表明,斑茅可以作为Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd多金属污染土壤的富集植物进行人工修复。     

湖南柿竹园矿区土壤重金属含量及植物吸收特征

矿区重金属污染十分严重,寻找和发现适合当地气候与土壤条件的重金属耐性植物是矿区植被恢复和污染土壤修复的前提。对我国湖南柿竹园有色金属矿区调查发现,该地区选矿厂的重金属污染问题普遍比尾砂库严重。选矿厂土壤砷、镉、铅、锌严重超标,尾砂库周围也受到不同程度的重金属污染。土壤重金属胁迫效应影响着植物物种分布,选矿厂物种分布较少,相比之下尾砂库的植物多样性较为丰富。柿竹园矿区植物对重金属的吸收表现为富集型(如蜈蚣草Pteris Vittata L .和苎麻Boehmerianivea (L .) Gaud.)、根部囤积型(如攀倒甑Patrinia villosa和木贼Equisetum hyemale)和规避型(如蔓出卷柏Selaginelladavidii Franch和芒草Miscanthus sinensis Andlerss)等3种类型。     

重庆溶溪锰矿区土壤重金属污染评价及植物吸收特征

对重庆溶溪锰矿尾渣堆积区土壤、优势植物以及周边农田土壤的重金属含量(Mn、Cd、Cu、Zn和Pb)进行测定分析,并以重庆市土壤背景值为评价标准,应用Hakanson潜在生态危害指数法对土壤中重金属的潜在生态危害进行了评价。结果表明:该锰矿尾渣堆积区土壤中Mn、Cd、Cu、Zn和Pb的平均含量分别为48382.5、3.91、79.97、131.23和80.68 mg/kg,受到Mn、Cd的严重污染,Mn为强或很强生态危害,Cd为极强生态危害,而Cu、Zn、Pb为轻微生态危害,各尾矿渣堆积区的综合潜在生态危害指数(RI)均远大于720,为极强生态危害。对优势植物重金属含量的分析显示,绝大部分植物地上部Mn、Cd含量都超出正常范围的上限值,而Cu、Zn和Pb含量基本都在正常范围内;根据植物对重金属的吸收特征,将植物分为三类:将重金属主要累积于地上部分的富集型,如垂序商陆(Phytolacca americana L.)和酸模叶蓼(Polygonum lapathifolium Linn.),适用于重金属复合污染土壤的植物修复;将重金属主要累积于根部的根部囤积型,如芒(Miscanthus sinensis Anderss.)和乌蕨(Stenoloma chusanum Ching);重金属含量较低的规避型,如黄花蒿(Artemisia annua L.)、长波叶山蚂蝗(Desmodium sequax Wall.)及钻形紫苑(Aster subulatus Michx.);后两种类型的植物可种植在重金属污染严重且使用价值相对较低的矿山废弃地上,同时规避型植物对于研究植物的重金属排斥机理具有重要价值。溶溪锰矿区周边农田土壤主要受到Cd的严重污染,Cd为很强或极强生态危害。     

攀钢冶炼渣堆土壤与优势植物的重金属含量

采用原子吸收分光光度法测定攀钢西渣场冶炼渣堆土壤和6科12种优势植物中Mn、Pb、 Ni、 Cu、Cd等5种重金属含量,并计算优势植物对重金属的富积系数和转移系数.结果表明:渣堆土壤中重金属含量Mn最高(3869.14 mg/kg),次后顺序为Pb>Ni>Cu>Cd;植物与土壤的重金属分布基本一致;所测优势植物中,多数植物对重金属的富积系数较低,而转移系数却较高,如天名精对Cu的转移系数为5.1,羽芒菊对Pb转移系数为3.3,五月艾对Cd的转移系数为6.0,其中8种植物(天名精、羽芒菊等)对Mn的转移系数均大于1.该结果为重金属污染土壤的植物修复提供了参考物种,同时也为植物重金属耐受机制的研究提供了筛选对象.     

Mobility and Translocation of Heavy Metals from Mine Tailings in Three Plant Species after Amendment with Compost and Biosurfactant

An experiment was performed to determine the effects of mine tailings alone mixed with compost or with compost plus crude biosurfactant on the accumulation of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, and Ni) in Acacia retinodes, Nicotiana glauca, and Echinochloa polystachya. The plants were grown in soil, mine tailings, and mine tailings containing compost over a period of seven and five months for shrubs or grass, respectively. The plants Acacia retinodes and Nicotiana glauca grown in mine tailings containing compost showed increases in dry biomass (from 62 to 79%) compared with plants in only tailings. Heavy metals accumulated in the roots and leaves showed high translocation rates of Cr in N. glauca, Cd in A. retinodes, and Ni in E. polystachya. Concentrations of heavy metals in the three plants irrigated with crude biosurfactant were not significantly different from those irrigated with water. Zn and Cd fractions within mine tailings containing compost were bound to carbonate, Pb was bound to residues, and Cu was bound to Fe-oxides. Cd had the highest mobility factor followed in order by Zn, Pb, and Cu. The elevated concentrations of Pb in roots and the low translocation rate for N. glauca and A. retinodes indicate that they are suitable for phytostabilizing Pb and Zn.     

粤东铅锌尾矿三种优势植物对重金属的吸收和富集特性研究

为探讨铅锌矿废弃地优势植物在重金属污染土壤植物修复中的应用潜力,利用野外采样分析法,从粤东梅县丙村铅锌尾矿区采集其三种优势植物类芦、黄荆、盐肤木的根、茎、叶和土壤样品,测定和分析Pb、Zn、Cu、Cd四种重金属含量.结果表明:该矿区土壤污染严重,Pb、Zn、Cd含量远超土壤环境质量的三级标准,Cu超出二级标准;根际土壤和非根际土壤重金属含量均为Pb＞Zn＞Cu＞Cd,但根际土壤的重金属含量显著低于非根际土壤;这三种植物对Pb、Zn、Cu的转移系数大于1.0,对Cu的富集系数最高,Pb最小,但对四种重金属的富集系数均小于1.0,均未达到超富集植物临界含量标准.三种植物为该矿区的优势植物,说明它们对土壤的重金属污染有很强的耐性,虽然并非典型的超富集植物,但对污染土壤仍有较好的修复效果.     

Heavy metals contamination and accumulation in submerged macrophytes in an urban river in China

Deteriorating urban water quality has attracted considerable attention in China. We investigated the contamination levels and distribution of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in Yuxi River water and sediments, and assessed the heavy metal accumulation capability of five species of submerged macrophytes: Vallisneria natans (Lour.) Hara, Potamogeton pectinatus L., Hydrilla verticillata (L. f.) Royle, Myriophyllum spicatum L., and Potamogeton crispus L. Samples were collected from upstream and downstream locations in different season. The results showed that the levels of heavy metals in the downstream areas were higher than in the upstream areas. Heavy metal concentrations in the river water during the dry seasons were higher than those during the rainy seasons, and the opposite results appeared in sediments and submerged macrophytes. In general, the river was slightly contaminated by heavy metals, and the concentrations of Pb and Ni in this river should serve as a warning, while Cd and Zn pollution in the sediments desperately needs to be removed. Furthermore, Potamogeton pectinatus L. showed a higher accumulation capacity for these metals among the five native submerged macrophytes and could be defined as a hyperaccumulator for Cd. Therefore, the potential use of native aquatic plants in contaminated rivers is worth further exploration.     

四川甘洛铅锌矿区优势植物的重金属含量

通过野外调查采样,分析了四川凉山州甘洛县铅锌矿区土壤的重金属含量,以及矿区生长的13种优势植物对Pb、Zn、Cd、Cr、Cu的吸收与富集能力及其富集特性.结果表明,矿区土壤受Pb、Zn、Cd 3种重金属污染严重,13种植物体内的Pb含量均高于普通植物10倍以上,具有修复矿区土壤铅污染的潜力,其中植物1的转运系数和富集系数都大于1,满足Pb超富集植物的基本特征.Zn在凤尾蕨、细风轮菜、大火草、蔗茅、小飞蓬和牛茄子中含量较高.小飞蓬和紫茎泽兰的Cd含量较一般植物高出17～61倍,其中,紫茎泽兰的转运系数与富集系数均大于1,其对Cd的吸收特性值得进一步研究.     

Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metals in Soil and Flora Associated with the Glass Industry in North Central India: Implications for Phytoremediation

The effect of the glass industry on soil metal characterization was assessed at five test sites at five successive distances in a semi-arid area. A comprehensive profile of Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, and As levels in soils was obtained. The spatial distribution patterns of integrated contamination indices for these metals show a similar decreasing trend in distribution as we move further from the industrial cluster. There was significant correlation among individual heavy metal concentrations in the soil samples. Integrated contamination indices indicate that 64% of the sites were in the high contamination range and 28% were in the moderate contamination range. A statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.001) was obtained for each metal on comparing mean metal content among soil samples. Phytoremedial potential of 12 native plant species was also evaluated. Individual elements displayed remarkably different patterns of accumulation in soils as well as plants. Plants established limited capabilities in mobilizing Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cu in the root zone. While Cd, Cu, As, Zn and Pb were predominantly partitioned in shoots, Ni was equally partitioned between shoots and roots. Interestingly, some plants showed a different partitioning trend at higher concentrations of different metals compared to lower concentrations. Potential species for phytoremediation include Calotropis procera (Milk weed), Chenopodium murale (Goosefoot),Poa annua (Annual bluegrass) and Datura stramonium (Thorn apple). None of the species showed phytoremedial potential for Ni and Cu.     

EDTA-Facilitated Phytoremediation of Soil with Heavy Metals from Sewage Sludge

The objective of this research was to determine the effect of the chelate EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), which is used in phytoremediation, on plant availability of heavy metals in liquid sewage sludge applied to soil. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) was grown under greenhouse conditions in a commercial potting soil; the tetrasodium salt of EDTA (EDTA Na₄) was added at a rate of 1 g kg^-1 to half the pots. Immediately after seeds were planted, half of the pots with each soil (with or without EDTA) were irrigated with 60 ml sludge, and half were irrigated with 60 ml tap water. For the subsequent five irrigations, plants in soil with EDTA received either sludge or tap water containing 0.5 g EDTA Na₄ per 1000 ml, and plants in soil without EDTA received sludge or tap water without EDTA. Of the four heavy metals whose extractable concentrations in the soil were measured (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn), only Zn had a higher concentration in sludge-treated soil with EDTA compared to sludge-treated soil without EDTA. The concentrations of Fe, Cu, and Mn were similar in sludge-treated soil with and without EDTA. Of the three heavy metals whose total concentrations in the soil were measured (Cd, Pb, Cr), Pb (<10 mg kg^-1) and Cd (< 1 mg kg^-1) were below detection limits, and Cr was unaffected by treatment. The concentration of all measured elements in plants (Cd, Cu, Fe, Zn, Pb) was higher than the concentrations measured in the soil. With no EDTA, sludge-treated plants had a higher concentration of the five heavy elements than plants grown without sludge. Cadmium was lower in sludge-treated plants with EDTA than plants with EDTA and no sludge. After treatment with EDTA, the concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Zn were similar in plants with and without sludge. Lead was higher in plants with EDTA than plants without EDTA, showing that EDTA can facilitate phytoremediation of soil with Pb from sewage sludge.     

Heavy metal localisation in mycorrhizas ofEpipactis atrorubens (Hoffm.) Besser (Orchidaceae) from zinc mine tailings

Summary The metal distribution within mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal roots ofEpipactis atrorubens collected from zinc mine tailings and an area rich in heavy metal ores (both located in southern Poland) was investigated. The tailings, consisting of postflotation material, were characterised by high levels of toxic elements such as Zn, Pb, and Cd, while soil outside the tailings was also strongly enriched in heavy metals. Atomic absorption spectrometry and proton-induced X-ray emission analysis revealed that heavy metals were mostly accumulated within orchid roots. Elemental maps from proton-induced X-ray emission showed that plant root epidermis and fungal coils which had developed within cortical cells of roots collected from the zinc mine tailings were the main places of Zn and Pb accumulation, associated with increased concentrations of Fe, Cd, Ti, Mn, Si, Ca, and S. The mean content of Pb and Zn in the coils was 4 to 5 times higher than in the root epidermis. In mycorrhizal roots from the tailings a statistically significant decrease in Pb and Zn content towards the inside of the root was observed. The mean content of Pb in coils from roots of plants growing outside the tailings was about 1% of the concentration in root coils from the tailings. Coils selected from orchid roots originating from a site outside the tailings contained comparatively high concentrations of Zn, Cd, and Cu, which was probably due to the high content of these elements in the soil. The results presented suggest a biofiltering effect against heavy metals by orchid mycorrhizal fungi.     

Distribution of heavy metals and arsenic in soils and indigenous plants near an iron ore mine in northwest Iran

Heavy metal contaminations in the environment of mining area have become a global problem. The vicinity of an iron ore mine was investigated to estimate the concentrations of As, Pb, Cd, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Cr in the soil and the feasibility of using native plants for phytoremediation. For this, concentrations of elements in soil samples collected and were analyzed by inductivity coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The concentrations of heavy metals and arsenic in the roots and aerial parts of Dactylis glomerata L. and Scleranthus orientalis Rössler were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer too. As concentrations in the samples surpassed the soil toxicity threshold. Cd concentration in soil samples was considerably high next to mine pit. Neither species was identified as a hyperaccumulator, but both species could be considered as excluder plants for As.     

Effects of Municipal Sewage Sludge Doses on the Chlorophyll Contents and Heavy Metal Concentration of Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris var. saccharifera)

The present study was conducted to assess the suitability of sewage sludge amendment (SSA) in soil for Beta vulgaris var. saccharifera (sugar beet) by evaluating the heavy metal accumulation and physiological responses of plants grown at a 10%, 25%, and 50% sewage sludge amendment rate. The sewage sludge amendment was modified by the physicochemical properties of soil, thus increasing the availability of heavy metals in the soil and consequently increasing accumulation in plant parts. Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cu concentrations in roots were significantly higher in plants grown at 25% as compared to 50% SSA; however, Cr and Zn concentration was higher at 50% than 25% SSA. The concentrations of heavy metal showed a trend of Zn > Ni > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd in roots and Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Cd in leaves. The only instance in which the chlorophyll content did not increase after the sewage sludge treatments was 50%. There were approximately 1.12-fold differences between the control and 50% sewage sludge application for chlorophyll content. The sewage sludge amendment led to a significant increase in Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Ni concentrations of the soil. The heavy metal accumulation in the soil after the treatments did not exceed the limits for the land application of sewage sludge recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The increased concentration of heavy metals in the soil due to the sewage sludge amendment led to increases in heavy metal uptake and the leaf and root concentrations of Ni, Zn, Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Zn in plants as compared to those grown on unamended soil. More accumulation occurred in roots and leaves than in shoots for most of the heavy metals. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Pb were more than the permissible limits of national standards in the edible portion of sugar beet grown on different sewage sludge amendment ratios. The study concludes that the sewage sludge amendment in the soil for growing sugar beet may not be a good option due to risk of contamination of Cr, Pb, and Cd.     

佛山城市典型森林群落土壤重金属分布、流通及枯落物富集特征

富集重金属的枯落物分解可能提高重金属暴露率,增加人体接触健康风险。为了解南方城市土壤重金属在森林生态系统中的分布及流转情况,通过调查研究了佛山市8个典型森林群落土壤及枯落物重金属含量,分析了各森林群落枯落物对不同重金属的富集效应及重金属随枯落物回归土壤流通量。结果表明：1）城市森林各土壤重金属含量在不同典型群落间差异显著（P<0.05）,差异最大为Pb、Cr、Zn,As、Cu、Ni次之,Hg、Cd最小;土层深度（0-20,20-40,40-60 cm）对重金属含量影响显著（P<0.05）,差异最大为Cd、Hg,其次为As、Cu,最小为Zn、Ni、Pb、Cr。整体上,Cd、Hg、As、Pb、Zn在0-20 cm最高,表层富集特征明显,Cr和Ni在40-60 cm最高。2）8个森林群落中阴香-白楸-醉香含笑群落（CMMC）枯落物对8种重金属的综合富集系数（TBCF,66.76）最高,其中以Cd的富集效果最突出,富集系数为44.45,且对Pb、Cu、Zn也相对富集;最低的为黧蒴锥-香椿-樟树群落（CTCC）,综合富集系数（TBCF）为8.09,仅对Cd、Cr、Cu相对富集,对其余重金属富集效应不明显。3）相关分析显示,群落重金属枯落物流通量与0-60 cm土壤重金属平均含量（Cr和Ni除外）无显著相关性。本研究对城市森林建设管理及筛选重金属富集植物及群落具有较强理论及实践意义。     

Heavy metal contamination and health risk assessment in soil-rice system near Xinqiao mine in Tongling city,Anhui province,China

In this study, paddy soil and rice grain samples were collected from the vicinity around the Xinqiao mine in Tongling, China to test for the presence of heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb) in soil-rice system. Results indicated that the soil samples were primarily contaminated with Cd and Cu and followed with Zn and Pb. In rice grains, Cd, Cu, and Cr concentrations exceeded recommended guidelines. However, the regional distribution of heavy metals in rice grains and soil was inconsistent. The bioaccumulation factor of heavy metals in rice grains decreased in the order of Cd > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb. The BAF was significantly positively correlated with TCLP-extractable metals and significantly negatively correlated with soil pH. However, the relationship between soil organic matter and the BAF in rice grains was complex. Health risk assessment through rice intake showed that hazard quotients of Cu and Cd were greater than 1 and could pose a considerable non-cancer health risk to adults and children; meanwhile, Cr, Ni, and Cd could pose an unacceptable cancer risk. The results indicated that the government must take measures to reduce heavy metal contents in paddy soil and rice.     

黔西北铅锌矿区植物群落分布及其对重金属的迁移特征

重金属耐性植物和超富集植物的筛选、鉴定和驯化是植物修复技术研究与发展的关键。以黔西北4个不同恢复年限的铅锌矿为研究对象,通过群落生态调查利用聚类分析方法筛选出研究区域中重金属耐性植物优势种,并分析其对重金属Pb、Zn、Cu、Cd的迁移富集能力。结果表明:4个矿区共发现高等植物22种,分属13科21属,筛选出9种重金属耐性植物优势种,其中转运系数大于1的植物有:黄花蒿(Cu)、珠光香青(Zn)、大叶醉鱼草(Zn/Pb/Cd)、野艾蒿(Cu/Zn/Pb/Cd);没有富集系数大于1的植物。其中大叶醉鱼草具有耐贫瘠、耐旱、生物量大等优势,可将其作为典型的重金属耐性先锋植物,用于矿区废弃地的植物修复。     

菌根植物根际环境对污染土壤中Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd形态的影响

采用根垫法和连续形态分析技术,分析了生长在污灌土壤中菌根小麦和无菌根小麦根际Ｃｕ、Ｚｎ、Ｐｂ、Ｃｄ的形态分布和变化趋势。结果表明,下对照土壤相比,菌根际土壤中交换态Ｃｕ含量显著增加,交换态Ｃｄ呈减少的趋势;与非菌根际相比,Ｃｕ、Ｚｎ、Ｐｂ的有机结合态在菌根根际中显著增加,而４种测定金属２的碳酸盐态和铁锰氧化态都没有显著改变,该结果表明,植物根系能影响根际中金属形态的变化,且菌根比无菌根的影响程度大     

刺楸年轮中重金属含量动态变化及富集特性

为探索刺楸对受污染土壤重金属的富集和修复效应, 以南京栖霞山的乡土树种刺楸及其根际周边土壤为研究对象, 截取其根基部年轮盘及根际土壤样本, 采用ICP-AES法测定年轮及土壤样本中重金属(Cu、Cd、Cr、Mn、Ni、Pb、Zn)元素含量。结果表明: 栖霞山样地中的土壤受Mn、Pb和Zn污染最为严重, 存在Cu、Cd、Mn、Pb、Zn元素的高度复合污染, Cd、Cr、Cu、Ni、Zn在土壤和年轮中存在相关性, Mn和Pb则没有表现出明显的相关性; 刺楸修复受Cd、Mn、Pb、Zn污染的土壤效果并不显著, 更适用于Cr、Cu、Ni污染的土壤修复; 鉴于Cu元素含量变化特征, 刺楸也可以作为反映当地污染历史的记录载体; 刺楸年轮中的重金属元素之间存在交互作用, 其中Cd与Zn元素含量高度相关(r=0.984, p<0.01), 在刺楸年轮吸收重金属元素的过程中, Cu与Cd、Cr、Mn、Zn元素具有协同作用, Mn元素对其他元素有一定的拮抗作用。     

Native plant communities in an abandoned Pb-Zn mining area of northern Spain: implications for phytoremediation and germplasm preservation

Plants growing on metalliferous soils from abandoned mines are unique because of their ability to cope with high metal levels in soil. In this study, we characterized plants and soils from an abandoned Pb-Zn mine in the Basque Country (northern Spain). Soil in this area proved to be deficient in major macronutrients and to contain toxic levels of Cd, Pb, and Zn. Spontaneously growing native plants (belonging to 31 species, 28 genera, and 15 families) were botanically identified. Plant shoots and rhizosphere soil were sampled at several sites in the mine, and analyzed for Pb, Zn and Cd concentration. Zinc showed the highest concentrations in shoots, followed by Pb and Cd. Highest Zn concentrations in shoots were found in the Zn-Cd hyperaccumulator Thlaspi caerulescens (mean = 18,254 mg Zn kg(-1) DW). Different metal tolerance and accumulation patterns were observed among the studied plant species, thus offering a wide germplasm assortment for the suitable selection of phytoremediation technologies. This study highlights the importance of preserving metalliferous environments as they shelter a unique and highly valuable metallicolous biodiversity.     

Mycorrhizal symbiosis and phosphorus fertilization effects on Zea mays growth and heavy metals uptake

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can promote plant growth and reduce plant uptake of heavy metals. Phosphorus (P) fertilization can affect this relationship. We investigated maize (Zea mays L.) uptake of heavy metals after soil AMF inoculation and P fertilization. Maize biomass, glomaline and chlorophyll contents and uptake of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb have been determined in a soil inoculated with AMF (Glomus aggregatum, or Glomus intraradices) and treated with 30 or 60 µg P-K₂HPO₄ g^?1 soil. Consistent variations were found between the two mycorrhizal species with respect to the colonization and glomalin content. Shoot dry weight and chlorophyll content were higher with G. intraradices than with G. aggregatum inoculation. The biomass was highest with 30 µg P g^?1 soil. Shoot concentrations of Cd, Pb and Zn decreased with G. aggregatum inoculation, but that of Cd and Pb increased with G. intraradices inoculation. Addition of P fertilizers decreased Cd and Zn concentrations in the shoot. AMF with P fertilization greatly reduced maize content of heavy metals. The results provide that native AMF with a moderate application rate of P fertilizers can be exploited in polluted soils to minimize the heavy metals uptake and to increase maize growth.