Lead Uptake and Its Effects on the Quantitative Indices of C. aronia and J. polycarpus Seedlings in the Environment

Presence of heavy metals in soil not only endangers various animal and plant species, but it also leads to the inefficiency of a large portion of land soil. Phytoremediation is the process through which plants are used to remove, decrease, transfer or stabilize soil pollution and is considered to be a highly effective, economical approach in this regard [1]. In total, 57 elements are classified as heavy metals, the density of which is more than 5 g/cm. Heavy metals are among the most alarming pollutants in industrial areas worldwide [2]. Lead is a heavy metal that could enter the ecosystem through a wide range of resources; for instance, the gas fuel of automobiles is a major source of lead. Moreover, considerable amounts of lead are found in the effluents of various industries, such as dyeing and textile industries. Military industries and petrochemical plants are also the other leading sources of lead [3,4]. According to the data of the Conservation of Environment Agency [5], lead is the most important heavy metal pollutant in the environment. Some of the main adverse effects of lead on plants include the reduction of the germination, length, diametric growth, and biomass of various dried plant parts [6]. Recent studies have applied plant species to remove heavy metals (e.g., zinc, manganese, and lead) from polluted natural resources. Some plants that have proven effective in this regard include Brassica juncea, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Thlaspi caerulescens, and Helianthus [7]. However, data is scarce regarding the use of arboreal species for such purposes, and a general literature search indicates that Journal of Human, Environment, and Health Promotion