Publication Details
Abstract
An experimental study was conducted on Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) at four different sites in the Al-Bawiya area of Baghdad. The results showed a correlation between soil and root lead concentration (r = 0.91). A decrease in the transport factor (TF) (0.18–0.36) indicates the success of the plant exclusion strategy at moderately polluted sites (S1, S2). In contrast, the highly polluted site (S3) showed a significant decrease in the biocapacity factor (BCF) to 0.42, an increase in the transport factor (TF) to 0.36, and a decrease in the tolerance index to 58%. This is biologically attributed to damage to the root plasma membrane and the loss of selective barriers that allow lead accumulation in the leaves and energy diversion for growth in the face of oxidative stress. Lead accumulation exceeds the limits permitted by Iraqi and international law. Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) proves to be an effective plant control agent in moderately polluted soils. However, it becomes ineffective in terms of protection and acts as a carrier of lead toxicity above 300 mg/kg.