Skip to main content

Effects of Heavy metals on plants and resistance mechanisms

Environmental Science and Pollution Research volume 10, pages 256–264 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

Goal, Scope and Background

As one of the consequences of heavy metal pollution in soil, water and air, plants are contaminated by heavy metals in some parts of China. To understand the effects of heavy metals upon plants and the resistance mechanisms, would make it possible to use plants for cleaning and remediating heavy metal-polluted sites.

Methods

The research results on the effects of heavy metals on plants and resistant mechanisms are compiled from Chinese publications from scientific journals and university journals, mostly published during the last decade.

Results and Discussion

Effects of heavy metals on plants result in growth inhibition, structure damage, a decline of physiological and biochemical activities as well as of the function of plants. The effects and bioavailability of heavy metals depend on many factors, such as environmental conditions, pH, species of element, organic substances of the media and fertilization, plant species. But, there are also studies on plant resistance mechanisms to protect plants against the toxic effects of heavy metals such as combining heavy metals by proteins and expressing of detoxifying enzyme and nucleic acid, these mechanisms are integrated to protect the plants against injury by heavy metals.

Conclusions

There are two aspects on the interaction of plants and heavy metals. On one hand, heavy metals show negative effects on plants. On the other hand, plants have their own resistance mechanisms against toxic effects and for detoxifying heavy metal pollution.

Recommendations and Outlook

To study the effects of heavy metals on plants and mechanisms of resistance, one must select crop cultivars and/or plants for removing heavy metals from soil and water. More highly resistant plants can be selected especially for a remediation of the pollution site. The molecular mechanisms of resistance of plants to heavy metals should be studied further to develop the actual resistance of these plants to heavy metals. Understanding the bioavailability of heavy metals is advantageous for plant cultivation and phytoremediation. Decrease in the bioavailability to farmlands would reduce the accumulation of heavy metals in food. Alternatively, one could increase the bioavailability of plants to extract more heavy metals.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

43,34 €

Price includes VAT (Finland)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

References

  • Cai T, Zhang Y (1999): Expression analysis of polyubiquitin genes from beans in response to heavy metals. Acta Botanica Sinica 41 (10) 1052–1057 (In English)

    Google Scholar 

  • Cai T, Zhang Y (2000): DNaJ-like protein cDNA cloning and its expression under heavy metal stress. Advances of Nature Science 10 (2) 135–140 (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Cai T, Zhang Y, Burkard G (1998): Heavy metal responsive genes in kidney beans: cloning of cDNAs and gene expression analysis. Acta Phytophysiologica Sinica 24 (4) 399–404 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen C, Gong H (1996): Effects and mechanism of cadmium on the quality of mulberry leaves and physiological and biochemical characteristics. Chinese J Applied Ecology 7 (4) 417–423 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen G (1990): Effects of heavy metals on the growth of cucumber seedlings. Chinese Bulletin of Botany 7 (1) 34–39 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen G, Shi G, He B, et al. (1999): Effect of mercury and cadmium on photochemical activity and polypeptide composition of photosynthetic membranes from winter bud of Brasenia schreberi. Acta Scientiae Circumstantiae 19 (5) 521–525 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen T (1981): Cadmium pollution and its control in farmland ecosystem. Acta Ecologica Sinica 1 (4): 345–350. (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen T, Wu Y, Kong Q, et al. (1985): Study on cadmium forms in soils in Zhang-shi irrigation area. Acta Ecologica Sinica 5 (4) 300–305 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dong H (1999): Influence of heavy metals on the activity of Spirodela polyrrhiza catalase (CAT). Yunnan Environmental Science 1, 13–15 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Du W, Zhang X, Jiang W, et al. (1999): The significance and the determination of the chromium content of the food in Qingdao District. Res Trace Elements and Health 16 (3) 42–42 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Duan C (1995): Plant adaptation to environmental pollution and its micro-evolution. Chinese J Ecology 14 (5) 43–50 (In Chinese)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Duan C, Wang H (1992): Effects of heavy metals on the content of nuclear acids and nuclear enzymatic activities in the root tips of bean (Vicia faba). Environmental Science 13 (5) 31–35 (In Chinese)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Duan C, Wang H (1995): Studies on the cell gene-toxicity of heavy metals to beans and micro-nuclear techniques. Acta Botanica Sinica 37 (1) 14–24 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Duan C, Wang H (1998): Effects of Pb2+, Cd2+, Hg2+ on lacti-dehydrogenase (LDH) of Vicia faba L. Acta Ecologica Sinica 18 (4) 413–417 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fu G, Yi C, Zhang F, et al. (1996): Effects of Zn on the absorption of Cd by rapeseed in wet soil. J China University of Agriculture 1 (5) 85–88 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Guo D (1994): Environmental sources of Pb and Cd and their toxicity to man and animals. Advances in Environmental Science 2 (3): 71–76 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Guo M, Tian R, Wang Y, et al. (1995): Effects of composting of sludge as a fertilizer with no heavy metal accumulation by crops. Agro-environmental Protection 14 (2) 67–71 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hao H, Shi G, Du K, et al. (2001): Toxic effect of Hg2+ on physiology and ultrastructure of Hydrochairs dubia. J Lake Science 13 (2) 163–168 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • He D, Luo J (1991): Purifying of metal-binding proteins from roots of maize by HPLC anti-phase cartridges. Chinese Science 21 (5) 490–496 (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • He L, Shen G, Liu Y (1999): The responses of ATPase and PPase activities lipid composition of tonoplast in roots of two wheat cultivars to aluminium stress. Acta Phytophysiologica Sinica 25 (4) 350–356 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hong R, Yang G, Liu D et al. (1991): Effects of Cd on the growth and physiological biochemical reaction of wheat seedlings. Acta Agriculture Boreli-Sinica 6 (3) 70–75 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu X (1996): Primary studies on the remediation of municipal waste composting by plants. Techniques of Pollution Control 6, 10–14 (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang H, Zhang C (1986): The primary studies on the effects of cadmium and lead on the photosynthesis of woody plants. J Ecology 5 (2) 6–9 (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang Y, Hong R (1997): Induced free radical peroxidation injury of plants by cadmium. Acta Botanica Sinica 39 (6) 522–526 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang Y, Tao S, Chen Y, et al. (2000): Accumulation and distribution of Cu and Zn in mycorrhizal Pinus sylvestris and its associated ectomycorrhizal fungus Suillus bovines exposed to elevated Cu and Zn concentration in cultivating substrates. Environmental Science 21 (2): 1–6 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang B, Lan C, Wang B (2001): Heavy metal’s ecological effects of irrigation with landfill site leachate. China Environmental Science 21 (1): 18–23 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang W (1995): Effects of heavy metal cadmium on ultrastructure of chloroplasts. Guangxi Sciences 2 (2) 21–23 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiang X (1999): A study of heavy metals in composting. J Sichuan Teachers College (Natural Science) 20 (1) 31–35 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lan C, Shu W, Zhang Z (1996): Effects of acid leaching on heavy metal mobility of Pb/Zn tailings and the phyto-toxicity of leachate. China Environmental Science 16 (6) 461–465 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li D, Shi G (1999): Effects of Cd2+ or Hg2+ water pollution on the ultrastructure of nuclei and chloroplasts in somatic cells of Trapa bicornis Osbeck. J Plant Resource and Environment 8 (2) 43–48 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li D, Shi G, Chang F, et al. (1998): Effects of Hg2+ on leaves’ structure and number of starch grains of Brasenia schreberi Winterbud. J Nanjing Normal University (Natural Science) 21 (3) 62–66 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li D, Shi G, Ding X, et al. (1999b): Effects of Ca2+, Hg2+ on growth and activity of Superoxide dismutase and peroxidase in Trapa bispinosa Roxb. Seedlings. J Wuhan Botanical Research 17 (3) 206–210 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li D, Shi G, Du K (1999a): Study on effects of cadmium on the structure of float leaves in Trapa bicornis Osbeck. J Nanjing Normal University (Natural Science) 22 (3) 55–59 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li H, Liang N, Chen P K (2000): A study on the ecological sensitivity for aquatic plants. J Suzhou Ins Urban Cons Environmental Protection 13 (1) 23–26 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Y, Wang H, Wu Y (1992): Effects of Cd, Fe and integrated pollution on several physiological indicator of tobacco leaves. Acta Ecologia Sinica 12 (3) 147–153 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Z, Yu S (1990): Heavy metal binding protein and peptide in plants. Plant Physiology Communication 1, 7–13 (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liao Z (1993): Environmental chemistry and biological effects of microelement. Beijing, China Environmental Science Press (In Chinese)

  • Liu D, Jiang W, Li H, et al. (2000): Effects of cadmium on root growth and ultrastructural alterations in the root tip cells of garlic (Allium sativum L.). Acta Agriculture Boreli-Sinica 15(3) 66–71 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu D, Jiang W, Li M (1992): Effects of cadmium on root growth and cell division of the root tip of garlic (Allium sativum L.). Acta Scientiae Circumstantiae 12 (4) 439–446 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu H, Cui S (1991): Effects of cadmium on the seed germination, growth of seedling, oxydase isoenzyme of crops. Environmental Science 12 (6) 29–31 (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu H, Peng Y, Wang Z (1995): Effects of cadmium on the growth and oxidation of vegetables. Agro-environmental Protection 14 (2) 58–61 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lu R, Xiong L, Shi Z (1992): Study on the cadmium in soil-crop ecosystem. Soil 24 (3) 129–137 (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu Z, Wang H (1998): Effects of cadmium and lead on ADH gene expression. Acta Scientiae Circumstantiae 18 (5) 500–503 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Luo L (1999): Effects of cadmium stress on lipid peroxidation of wheat leaves. Henan Science 17 (suppl), 47–49 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma C, Hong F (1998): Preliminary studies on the effects of Hg2+ on the germination and growth of wheat seedlings. Acta Botanica Ecologica 22 (4) 373–378 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma J (2000): Effects of Ni pollution on wheat seedling growth and the index of physiology and biochemistry. J Hebei Vocationteachers College 14 (3) 17–20 (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma M, Zeng Y, Guan W, et al. (1997): Preliminary studies of the identification and expression of metallothionein-like gene in Festuca rubra. Acta Botanica Sinica 39, 1078–1081 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Meng F, Li G (1998): The effects of acid rain on chemical activities of elements in soil. J Central South Forestry University 18 (1) 27–34 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Meng L, Wang H, Tan D (1998a): Effect of Pb2+, Cd2+ and Zn2+ on conformation of wheat DNA. Yuannan Environmental Science 17 (4) 9–10 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Meng L, Wang H, Tan D (1998b): Studies on the changes of protein gene expression in wheat seeds in Yunan Huize Pb/Zn tailings. Acta Agronomica Sinica 24 (3) 375–379 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mo W, Li M (1992): Effects of Cd2+ on the cell division of root tip in bean seedlings. Bulletin of Botany 9 (3) 30–34 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Pang X, Wang D, Peng A (2001): Effect of Lead Stress on the Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes in Wheat Seedlings. Environmental Science 22 (5) 108–112 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Peng M, Wang H (1991): The variation of cell ultrastructure of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings. China Environmental Science 11 (6) 426–431 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Qin P, Tie B, Zhou X, et al. (2000): Effects of Cadmium and Lead in Soil on the Germination and Growth of Rice and Cotton. Journal of Hunan Agricultural University 26 (3) 205–207 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Qin T, Wu Y, Wang X, et al. (1994): Effects of Cd, Pb and their interaction pollution on Brassica chinensis. Acta Ecologica Sinica 14, 46–50 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Shen Z, Liu Y, Chen H (1998): Effects of chelators EDTA and DTPA on the uptake of zinc, copper, manganese and ion by hyperaccumulator Thlaspi caerulescens J and C Presl. Acta Phytophysiologica Sinica 24 (4) 340–346 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shu W, Lan C, Zhang Z (1997): Analysis of major constaints on plant colonization at Fankou Pb/Zn mine tailings. Chinese J Applied Ecology 8 (3) 314–318 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Song F, Guo Y, Liu X, et al. (1996): Effect of compounds cadmium, zinc and lead pollution on spinach in brown earth. Agro-environmental Protection 15(1) 9–14 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Su L, Zhang Y, Lin X, et al. (2000): Cadmium toxicity and tolerance in vascular plants. Plant Nutrition and Fertilization Science 6 (1) 106–112 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Su N, Zhang J, Wang Y (1994): The pollution and evaluation of Cd in soil in Hujian Province. Acta Hujian-Agriculture University 23 (4) 434–439 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun S, Wang H (1985): The primary studies on the physiological changes and mechanisms of damage to macrophytes by the pollution of cadmium. Acta Botania Physiologia 11 (2) 113–121 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tan Zi, Chen J, Xue H (2000). Studies on the pole of selenium in decreasing Pb, Cd and Cr pollution to rice. Acta Sci. Nat. Univ. Norm. Hunan 23 (3) 80–83 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tang M (1998): The advance of VA fungi enhancing the resistance of plants to alkalinity and heavy metals. Soil 5, 251–254 (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tang Z (1984): The accumulation of proline in plants and its possible profits under environmental stress. Communication Botanical Physiology 1, 15–21 (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tao H, Li X, Zhang J (1997): Effects of VA-mycorrhizal infection on growth and nutrient uptake of red clover at different Zn supply levels. Chinese J Applied Environ Biol 3 (3) 263–267 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tu C, Zheng C, Chen H (1997): Advances on interaction of heavy metals and nutrient elements in soil-plant system. China Environmental Science 17 (6) 526–529 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang H (1990): Fundamental ions of pollution biology. Yuannan University Press, Kungming, Yunan. pp 71–148 (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang K (1996): Effects of cadmium on the growth of different genetic rice. Rural Ecological Environment 12 (3) 18–23 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang S, Li J, Shi S, et al. (2001): Geological disease caused by ecological environment: An example of cancer village in Shanxi Province. Environmental Protection 5: 42–43,46 (In Chinese).

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang X, Wu Y (1995): Effects of modification treatments on the behavior of heavy metals in combined polluted soil. Chinese J Applied Ecology 6 (4) 440–444 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang Y, Tian T, Fu H (1999): Effects of nickel on growth of rice seedlings. J Central China Normal University (Nature Sci.) 33 (1) 104–107 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang Y, Xiong Y, Tie F, et al. (1994): Preliminary study on measurement of heavy metal induced water pollution by metal-lothioprptid of water hyacinth root. Acta Scientiae Circumstantiae 14 (4) 431–438 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wen Y, Lu Y (1999): Study on availability control of heavy metals in soil applied with municipal sewage sludge. Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitaties Sunyatseni 38 (4) 97–101 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wu Y, Wang X, Liang R, et al. (1998): Dynamic migration of Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn and As in agricultural ecosystem. Acta Scientiae Circumstantiae 18 (4) 407–414 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xia Z (1988): The capacity of soil environment and its application. Publisher of Meteorology, Beijing, China (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xia Z, Mu C (1984): Effects of Cd, Zn, Pb and their interaction on tobacco and wheat. Acta Ecologica Sinica 4 (3) 231–236 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu J, Yang J (1995): Heavy metals in the terrestrial ecosystem. China Environmental Science Publisher, Beijing pp24–36 (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu Q, Shi G (2000): The toxic effects of single Cd and interaction of Cd with Zn on some physiological index of [Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC]. J Nanjing Normal University (Natural Science) 23 (4) 97–100 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xue C, Zhang Z, Meng Z, et al. (2000): Studies on effects of complex sludge compost applying to highway greenbelt II. soil chemistry, plant nutrients and environmental effects. Agro-environmental Protection 19 (5) 263–266 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yan C, Fu S, Fang C, et al. (1997). Effects of Hg, Cd and their interaction on chlorophyll content and antioxidant enzyme systems in leaves of tobacco. Acta Phytoecologica Sinica 21 (5) 468–473 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang D (1991): Effects of heavy metal ions on the structure and function of photosynthetic membranes of high plants. Chinese Bulletin of Botany 8 (3) 26–29 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang D, Shi G, Song D, et al. (2001): The resistant reaction of Brasentia scheberi winter-bud to Cr6+ pollution. J Lake Science 13 (2) 169–174 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang D, Shi G, You W, et al. (1999a): The study of Cr6+ pollution affecting chlorophyll and activity of enzymes in Hydrochairsdubia (B.l) Baker. J Nanjing Normal University (Natural Science) 13 (2) 163–168 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang D, Xu C, Zhang F, et al. (1989): Effects of Cd2+ on the photosynthetic system II of chloroplast of spinach. Acta Botania Sinica 31 (9) 702–707 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang H, Wang J (1985): The primary studies on the Cd-binding proteins and its mechanisms in green algae. Acat Botanica Physiologia 11 (4) 357–365 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang J, He J (1995a): Effects of Cd2+ on the physiological biochemistry of plants. Agro-environmental Protection 14 (5) 193- 197 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang J, He J (1995b): The tolerant mechanism of crops to Cd. Chinese J Applied Ecology 6 (1) 87–91 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang L, Xue D, Henry C L, et al. (1997): Biosolid application and its effect on heavy metals. Agro-environmental Protection 16 (5) 227–231 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang M, Lin X, Yang X (1998): Effects of cadmium on the growth and absorption of nutrients of different plant species. Chinese J Applied Ecology 9(1) 89–94 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang R, Zeng Q, Zhou X, et al. (2000): The activated impact of plant root exudates on heavy metals in soils contaminated by tailing of lead-zinc ore. Agro-environmental Protection 19 (3) 152–155 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang Z, Zheng S, Hu A (1999b): Advances on the study of interactions of phosphorus with zinc and cadmium in plants. Plant Nutrient and Fertilizer Science 5 (4) 366–376 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yi H, Zhang Z (1997): Study on sister chromatid exchange in detecting environmental toxic factors. China Environmental Science 17 (5) 440–442 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yin C, Peng L, Wang G, et al. (1999): The characteristics on contents of harmful elements in natural herbs in Kunming western suburb. Pratacultural Sci 16 (5) 24–26 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang D, Zhang C, Zhou X, et al. (1996): Mercury contents in the foods in markets and personal uptake quantity survey. J Convalescence and Rehabilitation 11 (2) 52–53 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang J, Huang W (2000): Advances on physiological and ecological effects of cadmium on plants. Acta Ecologica Sinica 20 (3) 514–523 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Y (1997): The toxiciry of heavy metals to barley (Hordeum vulgare). Acta Scinetiae Circumstance 17 (2) 199–204 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Y, Cai T, Burkard G (1999): Research advances on the mechanisms of heavy metal tolerance in plants. Acta Botanica Sinica 41 (5) 453–457 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao B, Bi H (1999): Research advances on toxicology of heavy metals in plant cells. J Zibo University (Nat. Sci. and Eng. Ed.) 1(1) 86–88 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao B, Mo H (1997): Detoxification of ascorbic acid and molysite on the root growth of garlic under cadmium pollution. J Wuhan Botanical Res 15 (2) 167–172 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou Q, Peng F, Huang X, et al. (1997): Effects of La-gly on the growth of Brassica chinensis seedlings under Cd stress. Agroenvironmental Protection 16 (6) 245–246 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu L, Shao X (1997): Chemical form distribution and plant availability of Cd in plough horizons. J Hohai University 25 (3) 50- 56 (In Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Affiliations

  1. State Key Lab of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, P.R. China, and Institute of Botany, University of Cologne, Gyrhofstrasse 15, D-50931, Koeln, Germany

    Shuiping Cheng

Authors
  1. Shuiping Cheng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shuiping Cheng.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Cheng, S. Effects of Heavy metals on plants and resistance mechanisms. Environ Sci & Pollut Res 10, 256–264 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1065/espr2002.11.141.2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1065/espr2002.11.141.2

Keywords

  • Accumulation
  • Bioavailability
  • cell division
  • enzym
  • growth
  • metallothionein
  • phytochelator
  • phytoremediation
  • pollution
  • structure