Effects of Lead Toxicity on Iron and Zinc Accumulation in Four Evergreen Plant Species: A Controlled Pot Experiment
Abstract
Lead (Pb) toxicity poses environmental challenges, disrupting \r\nplant growth and micronutrient dynamics. This study investigated the impact of Pb \r\ntoxicity on iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) accumulation in four evergreen species: Dodonaea \r\nviscosa, Myrtus communis, Platycladus orientalis, and Ficus benjamina. \r\nMethod: A pot experiment was conducted in Erbil, Iraq, using sandy clay loam soil \r\ntreated with Pb at 0, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg. Plants were grown for six months in a \r\nfactorial randomized design (two factors: species and Pb doses) with three replications. \r\nFe and Zn levels in roots, shoots, and soil were analyzed using a Genius XRF device. \r\nData were analyzed with SPSS version 28, employing descriptive statistics, two-way \r\nANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression (P < 0.05). \r\nResults: Significant differences in Fe and Zn accumulation were observed among \r\nspecies and Pb treatments. Dodonaea viscosa showed the highest root Fe accumulation, \r\nwhile Ficus benjamina exhibited elevated Zn levels. Soil metal levels remained stable \r\nbut varied by species. Two-way ANOVA confirmed significant effects of Pb \r\nconcentration and species on metal accumulation. Pb had a moderate negative effect on \r\nsoil Zn levels. \r\nConclusions: Dodonaea viscosa shows promise for phytoremediation. Further research \r\nshould explore long-term and molecular mechanisms for managing Pb-contaminated \r\nsoils.
Author
shilan Farhad Mamand
ISSN
2663-2187
Publish Date: 2025-04-05