[Chelate-induced phytoextraction of copper contaminated upland red soil]

A copper spiked red soil was used in pot experiment to study the effects of EDTA and low molecule weight organic acids on Cu speciation in soil, and Cu uptake by Brassica juncea. The results showed that the mobility of Cu in soil was improved obviously when EDTA was added at the vigorous growth stage. Both water-extractable and exchangeable Cu concentration increased significantly following EDTA addition. Citric acid and malic acid only had an effect on water-extractable Cu, and no effect on Cu uptake by the plant. EDTA significantly increased the concentration of Cu in plant leaves and roots, and the Cu uptake by Brassica juncea. All of these indicated the chelate-induced phytoextraction.