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Foliar metal accumulation in plants from copper-rich ultramafic outcrops: case studies from Malaysia and Brazil

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Abstract

Background and aims

Ultramafic soils are characterized by relatively high concentrations of nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and cobalt (Co). Globally, some ultramafic outcrops are also rich in copper (Cu) and other metals. The occurrence of Cu-accumulating plants on such soils is a very rare phenomenon so far only described from Sri Lanka. The objective of this study was to evaluate the elemental profiles of plants growing in their natural habitat on polymetallic Cu-rich ultramafic soils, with particular focus on unusual uptake of Cu, and possible co-accumulation of other metals.

Methods

This study focused on Cu-rich ultramafic soils in the Bidu-Bidu Hills (Malaysia) and those in Macedo-Niquelândia and Americano do Brasil (Brazil) where chemical analyses of bedrock, soil and plant leaf samples was undertaken.

Results and conclusions

Although the elemental profile of plants growing on Cu-enriched ultramafic soils reflects that of their environment with elevated concentrations of Co, Cr, Cu and Zn, significant accumulation of these metals is rare. Accumulation of Cu by most plants follows an ‘Excluder’ response, with limited Cu uptake, even by Cu-tolerant plants on soils with high total and extractable Cu concentrations. Some plants show slightly higher uptake than normal, and might act as ‘Indicators’, but true hyperaccumulation of this metal is questionable.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia

    Antony van der Ent

  2. Palmerston North, New Zealand

    Roger D. Reeves

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  1. Antony van der Ent
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  2. Roger D. Reeves
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Correspondence to Antony van der Ent.

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Responsible Editor: Henk Schat.

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van der Ent, A., Reeves, R.D. Foliar metal accumulation in plants from copper-rich ultramafic outcrops: case studies from Malaysia and Brazil. Plant Soil 389, 401–418 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-015-2385-9

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