Uptake and accumulation of cadmium and some nutrient ions by roots and shoots of maize (Zea mays L.)

The effects of the different concentrations of Cd on accumulation of four cultivars of maize (Zea mays L.) viz., Nongda No. 108, Liyu No. 6, Shendan No. 10 and Tangkang No. 5, were investigated using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The Cd accumulation in the roots and shoots and the interactions among Mn, Fe and Cu were also analyzed in the present study. The concentrations of cadmium chloride (CdCl2 2.5 H2O) used were in the range of 10(-4) M to 10(-6) M. The results indicated that the Cd levels in roots and shoots of four cultivars increased significantly (P < 0.005) with increasing Cd concentration. Cadmium ions were concentrated mainly in the roots, and small amounts of Cd were transferred to the shoots. In Liyu No. 6, the distributive levels of Cd in the roots decreased with increasing the concentration of Cd. Liyu No. 6 had more ability to remove Cd from solutions and accumulate it when compared with the other cultivars. This kind of cultivar with many roots, a high biomass and high ability to accumulate Cd can play a very important role in the soil contaminated by Cd.