EDDS-enhanced metal phytoextraction by Brassicaceae species. Uptake and translocation of CuEDDS complexes by Brassica carinata and responses at transcriptional and metabolic levels

Abstract

The present research deals with the phytoremediation of a metalcontaminated, markedly degraded area located at Torviscosa (Udine, North-East Italy), used since the Thirties as a dump for pyrite cinders derived from ore roasting for sulphur extraction. Currently, this site is included within the perimeter of the polluted area named “Grado and Marano lagoon and neighbouring water-courses” identified as a site of national interest for restoration by the Italian Cabinet Decree 468/2001 “National Programme for Environmental Restoration of Polluted Sites”. In accordance with the Italian legal thresholds for the agricultural uses (Ministerial Decree 152/2006), As, Co, Cu, Pb and Zn resulted the metals present at toxic levels. The pyrite cinders extends for a depth of 0.7 m over a deep horizon of impermeable clay and has been covered with a less polluted gravelly soil 0.15-0.2 m in depth. Because of the substrate composition, poor physical structure, nutrient deficiency, and extreme hydrological conditions, the site is colonized only by a rare and inadequate vegetation cover....