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

Removal of mineral pollutants from polluted soil is considered to be major environmental concern in the modern era. The present study aimed to investigate the capability of lead uptake and transfer in various organs of Crataegusaronia and Juniperuspolycarposseedlings and determine the effects of lead accumulation on some of the quantitative indices of these plant species.
Three-year-old saplings were exposed to various concentrations of lead (zero, 200, 300, and 400 ppm) (No3)2 in the sprouting period in a completely random project in triplicate. Afterwards, the lead uptake value was measured in various organs of C. aronia and J. polycarpus (roots, stems, and leaves) using an atomic absorption device.
The analysis of variance indicated that the features of C. aronia and J. polycarpus saplings (e.g., stem length, basal diameter, and root length) were significantly influenced by lead contamination (P < 0.05). Moreover, the saplings of both varieties had high capacity for lead uptake in their roots, stems, and leaves.
According to the results, the seedlings of C. aronia and J. polycarpus could be used as stabilizing varieties for the removal of lead from polluted soil. It is also notable that J. polycarpus is a more effective lead absorbent compared to C. aronia.