Heavy metal accumulation in invasive Reynoutria × bohemica Chrtek & Chrtková in polluted areas

This study was carried out in order to determine the chemical composition and accumulation potential of invasive alien knotweed Reynoutria × bohemica from five habitats exposed to different levels of anthropogenic pollution. To estimate the potential for trace element accumulation, accumulation and translocation factors were used, as well as Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients. The concentrations of major and trace elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Al, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr, Co, Cd, Pb, V) in soil samples and plant tissues (roots, stems, leaves) are presented. The results indicate that Reynoutria × bohemica accumulates macronutrients very effectively. In regard to accumulation of heavy metals, increased values were recorded for Fe, Ni, Cr and Co. Weak heavy metal accumulation accompanied by exclusion seems to be the survival and expansion strategy of Reynoutria × bohemica.