Copper accumulation and distribution in two arboreal species of the Atlantic Forest

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the accumulation and distribution of copper (Cu) in the pioneer tree Schinus terebinthifolius R. (aroeira) and non-pioneer tree Eugenia uniflora L. (pitanga) submitted to different concentrations of copper. The plants received 40 mL of Hoagland & Arnon (1950) n. 1 nutrient solution modified with 0.00032, 0.0032, 0.032 and 0.32 mM Cu2+ applied to the soil. We analyzed biomass, biometry and Cu contents in plants and the concentration of Cu in soil. Cu concentration in the soil contaminated with 0.32 mM Cu2+ was higher than other treatments. Neither species showed characteristics of plant phytotoxicity. However, the two species did exhibit different physiological responses to Cu; S. terebinthifolius accumulated the metal only in roots, while E. uniflora accumulated Cu in roots and leaves. The highest Cu concentration in soil was observed in the treatment with 0.32 mM Cu2+. Outstanding to foliar accumulation, E. uniflora could be used for biomonitoring.