A number of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, from sites uncontaminated
by
toxic metals, were investigated to determine their sensitivity to Cd2+,
Pb2+, Zn2+ and Sb3−, measured as
an
inhibition of fungal biomass production.
Isolates were grown in liquid media amended with the metals, individually
(over a range of concentrations) and
in combination (at single concentrations) to determine any significant
interactions between the metals. Significant
interspecific variation in sensitivity to Cd2+ and Zn2+
was recorded, while Pb2+ and Sb3−
individually had little effect. The presence of Pb2+
and Sb3− in the media did however, ameliorate Cd2+
and Zn2+ toxicity in some circumstances. Interactions between
Cd2+ and Zn2+
were investigated further over a range of concentrations. Zn2+
was found to significantly ameliorate the toxicity of Cd2+
to three of the four isolates tested. The influence of Zn2+
varied between ECM species and with the concentrations of metals tested.