International Journal of Applied Science and Engineering
Published by Chaoyang University of Technology

Shu-Fen Chenga* and Chin-Yuan Huangb

Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Chaoyang University ofTechnology, 168 Gifeng E. Rd., Wufeng, Taichung County, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Ordnance Readiness Development Center,Nantou County, Taiwan, R.O.C.


 

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ABSTRACT


The problem of farmland contaminated by heavy metals raises serious concernsbecause the contaminants accumulated in the plant not only affect the growth and quality ofcrops but also threaten the health of consumers.In this research, three root vegetables, i.e., sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.), carrot (Daucas carota L.) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.), wereplanted in soil collected from cadmium-contaminated and uncontaminated farmland. The plantgrowth rate were used to investigate the influence of cadmium on the growth of these plants. Theaccumulation of cadmium in the edible root is also studied in order to understand the safety ofthese edible vegetables.The results indicate that during the initial growth period, cadmium doesnot show obvious influence on the growth of all three plants. When the edible root started todevelop, the growth rate for plants growing in the contaminated soil is obviously affected. Theiraverage mass is reduced by about 50%. The cadmium contents in the edible root of all threeplants exceed the allowable quantities stipulated by various nations. Thus, the plants grown incadmium-contaminated should be banned as foodstuff.


Keywords: plant; heavy metal; accumulation; edible root.


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ARTICLE INFORMATION




Accepted: 2006-12-29
Available Online: 2006-12-01


Cite this article:

Cheng, S.-F. Huang, C.-Y., 2006. Influence of cadmium on growth of root vegetable and accumulation of cadmium in the edible root. International Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, 4, 243–252. https://doi.org/10.6703/IJASE.2006.4(3).243