Accumulation of cadmium and other metals in organs of plants growing around metal smelters in Japan

Abstract

It is well known that some plants can adapt to a high concentration of metals that would be lethal to other plant species and also accumulate toxic metals in their body up to a very high level (Peterson 1983). Athyrium yokoscense communities are often observed on highly polluted soils with heavy metals originating from mining or smelting facilities. A. yokoscense and some species of plants which can grow vigorously on highly polluted soils have attracted the attention of miners and investigators as indicator plants for mining areas (Honjo 1990; Nishizono et al. 1987).

Key Words:

• heavy metals
• cadmium
• accumulator plants
• Athyrium yokoscense