Phytoremediation and Physiological Effects of Mixed Heavy Metals on Poplar Hybrids

The effects of mixed heavy metals differ not only in different plants but also on the hybrids exposed. In this chapter, we focus on phytoremediation and the physiological effects of mixed heavy metals on four poplar hybrids. According to the results obtained from greenhouse pot experiments with mixed heavy metals, the photosynthetic and transpiration rates were affected by increased heavy metal concentrations. The concentration of heavy metals copper, chromium, cadmium, and zinc in the plant roots, stem and leaves varied with the concentration of mixed heavy metal as well as individual heavy metals. Based on the phytoextraction potential; hybrid 1 (Eco 28) was deduced as the best candidate for phytoremediation in mixed heavy metal contamination treatment. The results obtained are valuable in understanding how specific hybrids respond to mixed heavy metal stress especially when using them as bioindicators for phytoremediation experiments in multi-metal contaminated sites. Selection of new plants along with field trials over extended periods will increase the possibility of further enhancing and establishing phytoremediation technology in the future