Dependence of nickel and cadmium accumulation by plants on their concentration

One of the most important environmental issues of recent decades is the increasing anthropogenic heavy metals pollution. They are hazardous because of their high degree of toxicity. While many heavy metals are not found as necessary elements for normal functioning of the plant, however they are actively absorbed by plants and persist toxic properties, thereby providing long-term adverse effects. The aim of this work is to establish the dependence of the cadmium and nickel uptake by plants based on their concentration. Different varieties of radish Raphanus sativus L. and corn Zea mays L. were grown in hydroponic conditions in solutions containing varying concentrations of cadmium and nickel. Changes in plants appearance and weight due to presence of heavy metals were analysed. The heavy metal content in the roots and aerial parts of the plants was measured by the method of flame atomic absorption spectrometry. As a result, it was found that the addition of heavy metals lead to occurrence of necrotic spots on the leaves, indicating a disruption of normal metabolism...