Abstract: Effects of copper mine tailings from Tongling on growth,and physiological functions of Brassica campestris were studied by pot experiment.Results show that the seeds of B.campestris germinated on the tailings,but lower in percentage and rate than the control.Tailings decreased chlorophyll contents of the plants,chlorophyll a/b ratio is also affected.Nitrate reductase(NR)activity and ascorbic acids content of B.campestris decreased,but permeability of its cell membrane increased demonstrating toxicity of the tailings to the plant.Compared with those in the control,the plants in tailings were shorter in taproot,fewer in number of lateral roots and less in root volume.Tailings significantly affected root and shoot biomass and root/shoot ratio of its seedlings.The toxic effect of tailings became more remarkable with the growing plant,and was eventually reflected on the lower yield of the plant.The toxicity of copper and the extreme infertility of tailings were two major factors inhibiting growth of B.campestris.The distribution of copper in the plant at its maturing stage followed the order of root,stem and leave,seed.Significant positive correlation was observed between copper content in the seed and concentration of available copper in tailings.

Key words: copper mine tailing, Brassica campestris, growth, physiological function, yield, copper