A comparison of the toxicity of heavy metals, using root elongation of rye grass, Lolium perenne

The order of toxicity of different metals affecting root growth of seedlings of rye grass (Lolium perenne S24) was: copper > nickel > manganese > lead > cadmium > zinc > aluminium > mercury > chromium > iron. With the sole exception of manganese, these results confirm those of other studies and the order follows that of the stability of the metallic‐organic complexes. The results are of value in predicting the toxicity of heavy metals in plant growth on contaminated soils. Copyright © 1982 The New Phytologist.