2016, 29(1): 147-153.
[Objective]A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of Rhus chinensis Mill for phytoremediation of lead-contaminated soil.[Method]The response of container seedlings to Pb concentrations (0, 400 and 1 000 mg·kg-1) in the soil was studied. Seedling growth, chlorophyll, carotenoid, chlorophyll fluorescence, malondialdehyde (MDA), nutrient elements, Pb accumulation and translocation were assessed.[Result]The results showed that R. chinensis did not show visual symptoms of Pb toxicity. Compared to the control, the biomass increased slightly at low concentration (400 mg·kg-1). Under Pb stress conditions, the root elongation was restrained, while the radial growth of root was promoted and the fine root was developed better. No differences were observed in photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence, and MDA. During the experiment, only small quantity of Pb were uptake by R. chinensis, and most of the Pb absorbed by plants was retained in the roots. However, at the high concentration (1 000 mg·kg-1), R. chinensis transported metal to the shoots better, and the translocation factor (TF) value was 0.66. Under the Pb stress, oxalic acid of root exudates was increased significantly; while the root could be induced malic acid and citric acid, and the concentration increased with Pb concentration in soil. [Conclusion]R. chinensis was found to have Pb tolerance and phytoremediation potential in Pb-contaminated soils.