Metal-binding particles alleviate lead and zinc toxicity during seed germination of metallophyte grass Astrebla lappacea

► We synthesized three types of hygrogel metal-binding polymer particles. ► We tested their effects on metal concentrations in vitro using metal ion solutions. ► A micron-sized thiol functional cross-linked acrylamide polymer significantly reduces the available solution concentrations of Pb 2+, Cu 2+ and Zn 2+. ► The polymer alleviates metal toxicity during seed germination of metallophyte grass A. lappacea. ► It has the potential to facilitate the restoration of metal contaminated lands. Combining metal-binding particles and metal-tolerant plants (metallophytes) offers a promising new approach for rehabilitation of heavy metal contaminated sites. Three types of hydrogel metal-binding polymer particles were synthesized and their effects on metal concentrations tested in vitro using metal ion solutions. The most effective of the tested polymers was a micron-sized thiol functional cross-linked acrylamide polymer which reduced the available solution concentrations of Pb 2+ (9.65 mM), Cu 2+ (4 mM) and Zn 2+ (10 mM) by 86.5%, 75.5% and 63.8%, respectively, and was able to store water up to 608% of its dry mass. This polymer was not toxic to seed germination. In deionised water, it enhanced seed germination, and at otherwise phytotoxic Pb 2+ (9.65 mM) and Zn 2+ (10 mM) concentrations, it allowed normal germination and root elongation of the metallophyte grass Astrebla lappacea. We conclude that the polymer has the potential to facilitate restoration of heavy metal contaminated lands by reducing the concentration of metal cations in the soil solution and improving germination rates through reduced toxicity and enhanced plant water relations.