The project has the following overall objectives:

• Expanding the field of applicability of the DGT method combined with spectrometric methods for the study of the changes in the mobility of metals in the rhizosphere;
• Studying the changes in the mobility of metals in the rhizosphere of certain species of hyperaccumulator plants under the influence of the mechanisms of the system of roots;
• Increasing the international visibility and impact of Romanian research in the field of analytical chemistry and phytoremediation of contaminated soils.

Specific objectives:

• Design of study. Development of experimental models for using the DGT method and spectrometric methods for investigating changes in the mobility of metals in the rhizosphere;
• Experimenting with the DGT method combined with spectrometric methods for application into the bulk soil and rhizosphere;
• Studies regarding the changes in the mobility of metals in the rhizosphere of hyperaccumulator plants;
• Developing a model of correlation between the mobility of metals and bioaccumulation and evaluating the capacity for bioaccumulation of various species of plants;
• Disseminating the results.
  

       The proposed project is mainly focused on developing experimental designs based on unconventional techniques (DGT (Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films) method combined with spectrometric methods) for studying the changes of metals mobility and speciation under influences of plant-soil system. Two approaches of experimental designs will be used: ►deploying DGT devices both in rizosphere compartment (after plant growth in controlled conditions) and in bulk soil compartments, ►deploying DGT devices at a distance of few millimetres from the semi-permeable membrane that contain the high root density.

Novel notion:

• Using new experimental designs to compare the mobility of metals in the bulk soil and rhizosphere, in order to evaluate the changes in availability under the influence of the mechanisms from plants’ system of roots;
• Using LA-ICP-MS to analyse in depth the resin from the DGT device and to analyse the cross section of the plants’ root and plants’ leaves in order to evaluate the preferential order of transfer of metals from the soil to the plant;
• Using DGT devices with Fe-oxide resin and negatively charged Nafion membrane in order to evaluate the mobility of As^III and As^V species in soil;
• Elaborating a model of correlation between the changes of metals mobility and bioaccumulation.
  

• Documenting the model of correlation between mobility of metals in the rhizosphere soil and hyperaccumulator character;
• Documenting the experimental models for using the DGT method for investigating the mobility of metals;
• Webpage;
• Report on the methods of assessment of the mobility of metals based on DGT and spectrometric techiques;
• Report on the method of assessment based on DGT and LA-ICP-MS of the preferential transfer from the soil’s rhizosphere;
• Assessment report regarding the mobility of metals towards various species of plants;
• Report regarding the preferential order of transfer of metals;
• Report regarding the correlations between the mobility of metals and the physical-chemical parameters of the soil;
• Report regarding the accumulator character of certain species of plants;
• Model of correlation between the mobility of metals and bioaccumulation;
• Request for patent;
• Articles published in specialized journals in analytical chemistry and evaluation of environmental factors, ISI coated;
• Presentations to national and international conferences.
  

Stage 1 - 2011

• Documenting the model of correlation between mobility of metals in the rhizosphere soil and hyperaccumulator character;
• Documenting the experimental models for using the DGT method for investigating the mobility of metals;
• Webpage.