Abstract

CARTAYA, Omar E.; REYNALDO, Inés; PENICHE, Carlos  and  GARRIDO, María. L.. Natural polymers as an alternative for remediation of heavy metals polluted soils. Rev. Int. Contam. Ambient [online]. 2011, vol.27, n.1, pp.41-46. ISSN 0188-4999.

In this work, several trials were performed to study the absorption and distribution of heavy metals (Cu) in tomato seedlings treated with natural polymers (oligogalacturonides, Ogal) growing in a medium with toxic levels of heavy metals. Soil available metals were also analyzed, with the purpose of determining their residual effect and mobility. Results proved that the use of oligogalacturonide mixture counteracts the toxicity effect of heavy metals and changed the pattern of metal accumulation in those plants treated with natural polymers, even though the low mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals are mainly due to soil characteristics.

Keywords : bioremediation; heavy metals; cooper; natural products; tomatoes; EAA.