Ecotoxicity assessment of cadmium in soil to maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max)
土壤镉暴露对玉米和大豆的生态毒性评估

Ecotoxicity and bioavailability of cadmium (Cd) to maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) were investigated by acute toxicity tests in laboratory with black soil as medium. Ecotoxicity and bioavailability of Cd were quantified by calculating the median effective concentration (EC_ 50 ) and bioaccumulation factor (BAF). The measurement endpoints used were seed germination and seedling growth (shoot and root). The results showed that Cd concentrations in soil had adverse influence on the growth of roots and shoots. Seed germination was not the suitable indicator for the ecotoxicity of Cd in soil, while the growth of roots was the most sensitive measurement endpoint. Bioaccumulation and transport of Cd within plants depended on the test crop species and Cd concentrations in soil. The maize retained more Cd in its roots, while the soybean transported more Cd to the shoots from roots.