| Abstract: | Chelating agents are commonly used to enhance the phytoremediative ability of plants. The type of chelating agent applied and the selection of plant species are important factors to consider for successful phytoremediation. This study investigates the effects of four different rates (0, 2, 4, 8 mmol kg?1) of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on lead (Pb) dissolution, plant growth, and the ability of two spring wheat varieties (Auqab-2000 and Inqalab-91) to accumulate Pb from contaminated soils in a pot study. The results indicated that the addition of EDTA to the soil significantly increased the aqueous solubility of Pb and that wheat variety Inqalab-91 was more tolerant to Pb than Auqab-2000. Application of EDTA at 8 mmol kg?1 resulted in biomass yield, photosynthetic rate, and transpiration rate significantly lower in Auqab-2000 than in Inqalab-91. Although EDTA enhanced the uptake of Pb by both wheat varieties, Auqab-2000 accumulated significantly more Pb in the shoots than Inqalab-91. The results of the present study suggest that under the conditions used in this experiment, EDTA at the highest dose was the best amendment for enhanced phytoextraction of Pb using wheat. High concentrations of Pb were found in leachates collected from the bottom of columns treated with EDTA. Application of EDTA in the column leaching experiment increased the concentration of Pb in leachate with increasing EDTA dosage (0–8 mmol kg?1). These results suggest that EDTA addition for enhancing soil cleanup must be designed properly to minimize the uncontrolled release of metals from soils into groundwater. |
