A Hydroponic Study on Effect of Zinc Against Mercury Uptake by Triticale: Kinetic Process and Accumulation.

We investigated the ability of triticale uptake of Mercury (Hg), clarified whether triticale root uptake of Hg2+ via Zinc (Zn2+) transports, using hydroponic experiments. At 25℃, when Hg exposure in solution was lower than 20 µM, Hg concentration in the roots can be better described by a hyperbolic function, which shows a saturable characteristic. Under ice-cold (< 2℃) conditions, a nonsaturable (linear) component was found. Low exposure of Zn2+ (0-1 µM) inhibited plant Hg uptake when Hg exposure in the solution ranged from 1 to 10 µM, it showed an antagonistic effect of Zn on plant uptake of Hg. When Hg exposure was 20 µM, it revealed a synergistic effect of Zn on plant uptake of Hg, Hg in the root increased at the Zn (1 µM) exposure in the solution. Our results will deepen the understanding of Hg transfer in the soil-plant system.

Ecological Risk and Restoration Measures Relating to Heavy Metal Pollution in Industrial and Mining Wastelands.

In this study, we applied an integrated approach to an ecological risk evaluation of heavy metal pollution in industrial and mining wastelands in Yangxin County, China. A total of 72 sampling sites were designated in the study area. The results show that the potential ecological risk levels of Hg and Cd are higher, and the coefficient of variation of mercury levels is large. Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, and As are all at low potential ecological risk. The land types with relatively high ecological risks are alum and coal mines. In the soil of alum mines, the risk due to mercury is higher, while in coal mine soil, the risk due to cadmium is relatively higher.