Phytoextraction potential of four poplar hybrids under greenhouse conditions

The present work aimed to determine the phytoextraction potential of four poplar hybrids when treated with mixed heavy metals, cadmium (Cd), chromium, (Cr), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) under greenhouse conditions. Poplar hybrids were treated once with six different concentrations (0, 5, 50, 100, 200, and 500 mg L⁻¹) of mixed heavy metals over a period of 3 months, after which the plants were harvested, dried, digested using the aqua regia method and the heavy metal concentrations in the roots, stem, and leaves were determined. Individual heavy metal analysis using ICP-AES of separate heavy metals in plant parts demonstrated higher Zn accumulation in leaves, compared to all other heavy metals. As for Cd, Cr, and Cu the concentration accumulation in the leaves, stem, and roots varied across hybrids. Based on the phytoextraction potential of the four hybrids, hybrid 1 (Eco 28) was determined as a suitable candidate for phytoextraction of multi-contaminated sites, with DN 034 also showing selective phytoextraction potential in the early stages of growth.