Phytotoxicity of Mercury in Plants : A Review

Abstract EN

With the advent of the industrial revolution, heavy metal contamination has become an ever increasing concern.

Thus, it is of major importance to understand the extent of the toxicity in plants and animals and the consequences from the ingestion of contaminated food.

Hg is easily modified into several oxidation states, and it can be spread in many ecosystems.

Due to the recurrence of Hg pollution and due to the lack of knowledge about the effects of this heavy metal in plants, the aim of the present text is to provide a comprehensive review of the literature regarding Hg phytotoxicity.