Uptake of some heavy metals in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and their effects on plant growth

This study was conducted in Tissue Culture Laboratory of Department of Field Crops and Biotechnology Laboratory of Agricultural Faculty during 2011-2012. In the experiment, Gamze cultivar of coriander was used. In the study, plant growth and element uptake of coriander plants using different concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were investigated. The plants were grown in a growth room under the controlled conditions. Several morphological and physiological measurements and observations were taken. In general, the higher doses of heavy metals inhibited the plant growth whereas the lower doses did not have negative effects. Heavy metals? uptake increased with application of heavy metals, in addition, they affected uptake of the other elements in the plants. As a result, in the soils contaminated with heavy metals, but not disturbing plant growth, coriander can be used for clearance of the soil. Moreover, medicinal and aromatic plants generally grown for their essential oil content which is not contaminated with heavy metals, is an advantage.