This pot experiment analyzed the use of Brassica napus, Elymus elongatus and Zea mays in the removal of Cd2+ Co2+ and Ni2+ from the soil. The utility of the plants under study for phytoremediation was analyzed based on the biomass of the aboveground parts and roots and the accumulation of metals, bioaccumulation, bioconcentration and translocation capability in the above-ground parts and roots. The effect of heavy metals on the soil enzyme activity and soil physicochemical properties was also determined. Among the species under study, only E. elongatus was found to be suitable for Cd2+ phytoextraction, whereas E. elongatus and Z. mays proved to be suitable for phytostabilisation of Cd2+ and Co2+ because the criterion of the accumulation of metals in the roots at a sufficient level was fulfilled. The index of bioaccumulation in roots was greater than one. Both plant species met the second condition which determined the utility for phytostabilisation, as since the transport of Cd2+ Co2+ and Ni2+ from the roots to the above-ground parts was limited.
Keywords: Bioaccumulation index; physicochemical properties; plant yield; soil contamination; soil enzymes activity.