Accumulation and sub cellular distribution of lead (Pb) in industrial hemp grown in Pb contaminated soil

•Lead (Pb) content in roots was 2–7 times higher than in stems, leaves, and fibers, and 6–25 times higher than in seeds.•Pb in industrial hemp leaves was mainly distributed in the cell wall and chloroplasts, with the least accumulation occurring in the organelles.•Pb content of each chemical form in the leaf was Pb HCl (hydrochloric acid) ＞ Pb E (ethanol) >Pb W (deionized water) >Pb HAc (acetic acid) >Pb NaCl (sodium chloride). Industrial hemp has an excellent lead (Pb) tolerance and accumulation capacity. Further enhancing the Pb tolerance and its accumulation in industrial hemp is of great significance for its future application in phytoremediation. In present study, a pot experiment using Pb-contaminated soil was conducted to investigate the accumulation of Pb contents in various organs of industrial hemp and its subcellular distribution and extractable form in the leaves. It was found that under Pb stress, the Pb content in plants increased significantly with an increase in the soil Pb concentration. Lead was mainly concentrated in the roots, followed by stems and leaves, while the lowest Pb contents were found in seeds (Pb W (deionized water)>Pb HAc (acetic acid) >Pb NaCl (sodium chloride), indicating that Pb in industrial hemp mainly exists in the form of insoluble oxalate precipitates, thereby alleviating the toxicity of Pb. The results of this study provide a scientific reference for the use of industrial hemp to remediate Pb polluted soils.