Determination of heavy metal intake capabilities of some outdoor ornamental plants and their usage potential for phytoremediation

This study was carried out to determine the effects of some heavy metals on the development, heavy metal and other nutrient element uptake abilities of some outdoor ornamental plants such as Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), Scarlet sage (Salvia splendes) and Marigold (Tagates patula) which were grown in perlite. The experiment was designed in three replications under greenhouse conditions. The plants were irrigated for 30 days with irrigation water containing increasing doses (25, 50, 100, 150 µM) of Cd, Cr and Pb heavy metals. The trial was terminated on the 31st day and the effects of the applications were evaluated by leaf and root analysis. It was observed that the amount of dry matter in the plants decreased with the applied heavy metal doses compared to the control applications. Cd, Cr and Pb concentrations increased with the application doses and were reached to the concentrations of 326.48 mg kg-1, 845.72 mg kg-1, and 34.20 mg kg-1 respectively in Snapdragon plant. Values were 402.43 mg kg-1, 934.78 mg kg-1, 26.39 mg kg-1 in the Scarlet sage plant, and it was found as 506.58 mg kg-1, 936.95 mg kg-1, and 104.22 mg kg-1 in the Marigold. With heavy metal applications, an increase in the nutrient content of the Scarlet sage plant, a decrease in the nutrient content of the Snapdragon and Marigold plants were observed, and similar situations were also determined in the uptaken amounts of the elements. As a result of the study, it was seen that Snapdragon, Scarlet sage and Marigold plants were Cd, Cr and Pb hyperaccumulators, and it was concluded that these plants could be used to reduce heavy metal pollution in the soil.