Accumulation of Aluminiumby Plants Exposed to Nano- and Microsized Particles of Al2O3

Accumulation of aluminium by plants exposed to nano- and microsized particles of Al2O3 was investigated in terms of risk assessment and possible application in phytoremediation of contaminated sites. Four plant species (Allium cepa L., Zea mays, Lepidium sativum and Kalanchoe daigremontiana)were cultivated on media (soil or liquid medium) contaminated with nano- and microparticles of Al2O3. Bioavailability of aluminium in the soil was studied using water and EDTA extraction. Total amounts of aluminium in plants and soil extracts were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. All investigated plants accumulated aluminium and its concentration depended on the concentration of Al2O3 in the growth medium and the particle size. The most effective uptake and transport of aluminium was observed for Al2O3 nanoparticles. The highest content of aluminium was found in roots of plants. The extent of aluminium accumulation by plants was species-specific. The highest transfer factors were obtained for Zea mays cultivated on liquid medium supplemented with the lowest concentration of NPs. It was found that the nanoparticles sediment easily, but are still available for uptake by plants. Our studies give a perspective for future development of phytoremediation techniques of contaminated soils and waters.