Phytoextraction is an important technique used for the decontamination of areas polluted by lead. Consequently, an understanding of the physiological responses to tolerance of tropical species subjected to increasing levels of contamination is fundamental before considering their use as phytoextractors in contaminated areas. The objective of this study was to assess the lead (Pb) uptake and the tolerance of Ricinus communis L. The plants were cultivated in nutrient solution in a greenhouse under controlled conditions. Lead was tested at concentrations of 0, 100, 200 and 400 µmol L-1. The experimental set-up was a block design, using a 4 x 1 factorial scheme, with three replicates. Biometric analyses, photosynthesis rates, and Pb content in the nutritive solution as well as in roots and shoots were performed. In conclusion, R. communis L is a hyperaccumulator species for Pb and presents tolerance properties in lead light concentration.
castor bean; heavy metal; lead; phytoremediation
