Antagonism between lead and zinc ions in plants

The article presents the results of research which describes antagonism between Pb-Zn in selected plant species from the area of Czestochowa - Mirow district (north-western part of the Czestochowa Upland). There were analyzed changes in the ratio of Pb/Zn in different organs of the tested plants as a function of the Zn content changes. The content of metals in the plants and the soil was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry AAS. In all organs of the plants there was observed antagonistic decrease of Pb uptake and accumulation, resulting from the increase in the concentration Zn. Antagonism between Zn and Pb in roots of the tested plants occurred at Zn content of 200-600 mu g/g. In turn, antagonism in stems and flowers occurred at lower contents of zinc (100-180 mu g/g). In leaves, antagonism between Pb and Zn occurred when Zn was present at the level of 300-800 mu g/g. Ex definition of the analyses confirm the presence of antagonism of lead with regard to high levels of Zn. The study also confirmed that the degree of antagonism depends on the plant species.