Influence of lead (Pb) on Jatropha curcas L. growth under hydroponic conditions

The contamination of the environment with pollutants, like heavy metals from human activity, has caused the loss of agricultural land. One possible solution could be the utilization of phytoremediation technique with particular plant, capable of absorbing the contaminants from soil. Jatropha curcas L., an important tropical and sub-tropical plant for biodiesel production, has the capacity to grown in marginal land, compromised for food cultivation. The experiment was conducted in hydroponic conditions with the objective to evaluate the response and growth parameters of juvenile plants grown in presence of different Pb levels (0-100-200 mg/L) in the media. It was possible to investigate the interaction between some mineral element (Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe) and lead, and evaluate some tolerance indicators. Results showed that the plants were able to grow in presence of high concentration of Pb and to accumulate large amounts of heavy metal in the roots, followed by the stems and leaves. However, J. curcas subjected to Pb treatment demonstrated stunted growth and an alterations in mineral elements contents. The results suggest that J. curcas may tolerate the levels of Pb imposed, but there is low translocation of heavy metal to areal tissues, within the time period of analysis.