Growth, Cadmium and Zinc Accumulation of Ornamental Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in Contaminated Soil with Different Amendments

Use of ornamental plants for phytoremediation of metal-contaminated soil is a new option. A pot experiment was carried out to assess the effect of application of amendments, i.e., swine manure, salicylic acid (SA) and potassium chloride (KCl), on the growth, uptake and translocation of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) of ornamental sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) grown on a contaminated soil. The three amendments increased sunflower height, flower diameter, and biomass. Manure significantly decreased Cd and Zn concentrations in sunflower, and thus decreased the bioaccumulation coefficient (BCF) of Cd and Zn. However, using of KCl markedly increased Cd concentrations in sunflower and the BCF of Cd. Additionally, both swine manure and KCl application increased Cd and Zn translocation from root to aboveground part. Swine manure and salicylic acid reduced the Cd/Zn ratios in flower of sunflower, while KCl significantly increased the Cd/Zn ratios. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the Cd/Zn ratio in the root of sunflower was affected by K/Na ratio in root and soil available potassium (K) concentration. Ornamental sunflower could be grown as an alternative plant in the Cd- and Zn-contaminated soil with KCl application to get the balance between environmental and economic interests.