XVI International Botanical Congess
Pinus sylvestris ectomycorrhizas were collected from zinc wastes in Chrzanow, Southern Poland. The substratum was characterized by high content of Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu and pH value of about 7. Using SEM - EDS technique heavy metal contents of ectomycorrhizas were estimated and compared to data obtained for fruitbodies and substratum. Among the metal (Fe, Zn, Pb) accumulators the most effective was Rhizopogon roseolus mycorrhiza. Its mycelium produced abundant extracellular granules chelating Pb within outer mantle layers. High Pb concentration was detected also for Suillus luteus mycorrhiza. The most effective in Cu accumulation were mycorrhizas of Chroogomphus rutilus, Rhizopogon roseolus and Tricholoma sp. In most mycorrhizas from polluted areas the accumulation of vacuolar depositions was observed. These depositions were characterized by high content of N accompanied by several heavy metals e.g. Cd (TEM - EELS technique).