The determination of Cd and Zn phytoremediation potential of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)

Cadmium (Cd) which is absorbed and stored by the plants is causing too many metabolic changes of the plants. The biological function of cadmium is not known over the plants. The plant is generally taking in small amounts the Cd, this element is competing with the zinc (Zn). Buckwheat has relatively high biomass productivity, is adapted to many areas of the world, therefore buckwheat is widely used for the phytoremediation process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytoremediation capacity of the high-yielding plant buckwheat in soils contaminated with Cd and Zn. The soils were applied to different doses Cd (0–12.5–25–50–100 mg Cd kg–1 soil) and Zn (0–10–30 mg Zn kg–1 soil). Buckwheat seeds (Günes and Aktas cultivars) were sown and grown under greenhouse conditions. After harvest, Cd and Zn concentrations of plant biomass and grain yield (kg d–1) and translocation factors for Zn and Cd were determined. Cadmium accumulation in biomass and grain significantly increased in dose-dependent manner. Günes genotype accumulated higher lead than Aktas genotypes.