ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: A greenhouse study was conducted to observe seedling emergence and growth of Ricinus communis L. grown in substrate contaminated with lead-zinc tailings. The concentrations of heavy metals including Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd in seedling tissues were determined to know the bioaccumulation of heavy metals and tolerance. The results demonstrated that emergence percentage, emergence viability and survival rate of substrate E (60% lead-zinc tailings + 20% peat moss + 20% soil without pollution) was higher than others, while seedlings were restrained intensively by substrate C (80% lead-zinc tailings + 10% peat moss + 10% soil without pollution + manure) (p < 0.05). For the translocation ability of the four heavy metals in plant, the order of average was Cu > Zn > Pb > Cd and transfer coefficient was lower than 1. Ricinus communist L. was proved to possess good metal-tolerance ability and certain application prospects in remediation of lead-zinc contaminated soils.
