Accumulation of aluminium by plants exposed to nano- and microsized particles of Al₂O₃ was
investigated in terms of risk assessment and possible application in phytoremediation of contaminated sites.
Four plant species (Allium cepa L., Zea mays, Lepidium sativum and Kalanchoe daigremontiana)were cultivated
on media (soil or liquid medium) contaminated with nano- and microparticles of Al2O3. Bioavailability of
aluminium in the soil was studied using water and EDTA extraction. Total amounts of aluminium in plants and
soil extracts were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. All investigated plants
accumulated aluminium and its concentration depended on the concentration of Al₂O₃ in the growth medium
and the particle size. The most effective uptake and transport of aluminium was observed for Al₂O₃
nanoparticles. The highest content of aluminium was found in roots of plants. The extent of aluminium
accumulation by plants was species-specific. The highest transfer factors were obtained for Zea mays cultivated
on liquid medium supplemented with the lowest concentration of NPs. It was found that the nanoparticles
sediment easily, but are still available for uptake by plants. Our studies give a perspective for future development
of phytoremediation techniques of contaminated soils and waters.