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 Pb2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+. ► 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.