Identifying suitable plants for phytoremediation of Cd (cadmium) contaminated agricultural soil is critical. In this study, whether chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) qualified as an ideal accumulator for phytoremediation was investigated. The hydroponic and pot experiments showed that Cd concentration in chicory leaves exceeded 100 mg kg−1 (BCF >1, TF >1) with 40 mg kg−1 Cd in pot; No significant effects on chicory growth, leaf protein and physiological and biochemical aspects when treated with ≤ 20 μM or 40 mg kg−1 Cd, because chicory ...
