Open AccessModelling chelate-Induced phytoextraction: functional models predicting bioavailability of metals in soil, metal uptake and shoot biomass
Author(s) -
Pasqualina Sacco,
Fabrizio Mazzetto,
Luca Marchiol
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
italian journal of agronomy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.509
H-Index - 24
eISSN - 2039-6805
pISSN - 1125-4718
DOI - 10.4081/ija.2006.271
Subject(s) - bioavailability , chelation , phytoremediation , phytoextraction process , environmental chemistry , chemistry , biomass (ecology) , leaching (pedology) , shoot , lysimeter , metal , environmental science , soil water , agronomy , heavy metals , soil science , biology , pharmacology , inorganic chemistry , hyperaccumulator , organic chemistry
Chelate-induced phytoextraction of heavy metals from contaminated soils requires special care to determine, a priori, the best method of chelate application, in terms of both dose and timing. In fact, the chelate dose must assure the bioavailability of the metal to the plant without increasing leaching risk and giving toxic effects. Three mathematical models are here proposed for usefully interpreting the processes taking place: a) increased soil bioavailability of metals by chelants; b) metal uptake by plants; c) variation in plant biomass. The models are implemented and validated using data from pot and lysimeter trials. Both the chelate dose and the time elapsed since its application affected metal bioavailability and plant response. Contrariwise, the distribution strategy (single vs. split application) seems to produce significant differences both in plant growth and metal uptake, but not in soil metal bioavailability. The proposed models may help to understand and predict the chelate dose – effect relationship with less experimental work