Growth and lead uptake byParkinsonia aculeataL. inoculated withRhizophagus intraradices

The increased lead (Pb) pollution in the biosphere has resulted in serious environmental problems, so it is essential to evaluate phytoremediation strategies for contaminated soils. This study evaluated the growth and Pd absorption capacity ofPakinsonia aculeata, inoculated with an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Rhizophagus intraradices) over 18 weeks under greenhouse conditions. Treatments included inoculated and non-inoculated plants combined with six Pb concentrations (0, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640 mg center dot L-1) in the form of Pb(NO3)(2). Results showed that mycorrhizal colonization in inoculated plants ranged from 5.0 to 6.7% and favored plant growth. Pb levels and AMF-inoculation had no effects on chlorophyll fluorescence values. AMF-plants absorbed significantly more Pb in roots (237.97 mg center dot kg(-1)) than control plants (202.85 mg center dot kg(-1)), as well as high translocation to shoots (27.02 mg center dot kg(-1)) under the high Pb dose. The increase in Pb concentration reduced the P concentration in roots, and the P and N concentrations in shoots; however, the absorption and translocation of Ca and Mg was increased in shoots. Inoculation ofR. intraradicesimproved both growth and Pb uptake ofP. aculeata, under greenhouse conditions suggesting that this tree species may be potentially studied for detoxifying Pb-polluted soils.