Determination of cadmium, lead tolerance and phytoremidation potential of mint (Mentha multimentha L.)

In this study, it was aimed to determine the growth of mint in cadmium, lead tolerance and phytoremediation potential of mint (Mentha multimentha L.). The experiment was carried out according to completely randomized experimental deaign with three replication in 30 plastic pot haming 3 kg soil on the chamber room belong Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Department under controlled conditions. Mentha piperita L. was used as experimental plant cadmium (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg kg-1) and lead (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 mg kg-1) were used in cadmium nitrate (Cd(NO3)2) and lead nitrate Pb(NO3)2) forms. The experiment was ended ofter eight week following planting seedling. At the end of harvest plant length stem diameter, plant fresh and dry weight, leaf and brunch number, leaf surface area, root length, root diamete, rood fresh and dry weight were determined. The transfer of cadmium and lead from soil to plant were investigated in harvested plants. In this research increasing Cd and Pb doses have no negative effects on plant and root growth criteria. The highest plant Cd(116.7) and Pb (50.66) uptaking means were determined in Cd4 and Pb1 applications respectively. The highest root Cd(0.621) and Pb(0.637) means were found in Cd4 and Pb4 applications respectively. The lowest Cd and Pb content and uptakings means were obtained in control for plant and root. As a result it was determined that mint (Mentha piperita L.) is a hyperaccumulator plant and it can be used as hyperaccumulator plant in Cd and Pb contaminated soils.