Abstract

CHAVES, Lucia Helena G.  and  SOUZA, Ramara S.. Growth, distribution and content of cadmium in Jatropha curcas plants. Rev. de Ciências Agrárias [online]. 2014, vol.37, n.3, pp.286-291. ISSN 0871-018X.

Studies concerning the extraction of heavy metals by Jatropha curcas are still preliminary and incomplete. As this plant may be used in the phytoremediation of polluted soils, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of cadmium (Cd) in the initial growth of J. curcas and in the uptake and distribution of this element in this plant. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with five Cd application rates (0, 10, 20, 30 e 40 mg dm^-3) and three replications. Plant height, stem diameter and leaf area were measured 90 days after sowing. At the end of this period, plants were harvested and separated into roots, stems and leaves; the dry matter of each plant part and the concentrations of Cd in plant tissues were evaluated. During the experimental period, Cd affected the growth of J. curcas significantly reducing height, stem diameter, leaf area and dry biomass. The accumulation of Cd followed the order: root > stem > leaf. The index of Cd translocation to shoots was lower when Cd was applied at higher rates.

Keywords : Jatropha curcas L.; phytoremediation; heavy metal.

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