Seed germination and seedling growth of early successional tree species under elevated concentration of toxic metals - significance for revegetation of mining areas
Year: 2016
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Seed germination and seedlings establishment in postmining sights is of great importance for early succession and restoration patterns. Several of early colonizers are tree species, but they could be very important elements of early succssions and influence dynamic of early revegetation in disturbed areas. Spontaneous colonization of mining spoils is difficult due to extremely difficult condition such as extremely low or high pH, mineral soil, low water capacity and nutrient deficiency. Besides this, increased concentration and solubility of toxic metals in mining areas could be the most limiting factor for plant establishment. We analyzed parameters of seed germination and seedling growth of early successional tree species: Ailanthus altissima, Acer negundo, Pinus silvestris, Picea abies in several experimental systems with three different concentration of toxic metals (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu) to assess influence of metal toxicity in early phase of plant development. Lead in applied concentrations did not affect significantly the seed germination percentage in Ailanthus altissima and Acer negundo while cadmium in highest concentrations caused reduction of the percentage germination in both species. Analysis of the parameters of early seedling development indicates the most pronounced toxic effects of cadmium. In Ailanthus altissima Zn treatments have caused a reduction in seed germination parameters. Considering the hypocotyl and radicle length, there was no inhibition, but high concentrations of Zn cause an inhibition of the root growth and repress development of assimilating organs. The spruce and Scot pine seeds showed significant tolerance to presence of all metals, but germination percentage depended on metal and its concentrations.
Language: English
Topic: Heavy metals in environment
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7132376418