Use of dynamic factors to assess metal uptake and transfer in plants - example of trees

Abstract

To evaluate plant responses and compare metal uptake by different plants, several parameters and references have been used by researchers in the last few years. However, they express only the firstlevel comparison, i.e. biogeochemical comparison of different media (plant and soil) occurs in one place, at the same time and under the same circumstances. To integrate information about metal concentration in different media or plant organ and provide comparison of the process between control and treated cases, the second-level factors, the dynamic factors, are needed. Differently from the factors mentioned in the existing literature, they are able to show changes in processes under environmental changes rather than changes only in metal quantities. They are related both to internal (physiological) and external (ecological) factors. The paper introduces the use of dynamic factors for assessment of transfer and translocation of metals (Zn, Pb, Ni, Mn, Cu and Cr) in Scots pine (Pinus Sylvestris L.), silver birch (Betula Pendula) and black alder (Alnus glutinosa). Factor values and their implications are discussed in the paper.