Effectiveness of Zinc and Gypsum Application Against Cadmium Toxicity and Accumulation in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Cadmium (Cd) is a nonessential and toxic element because it inhibits the growth and development of plants and is dangerous for end consumer. It enters in the human food chain through food crops. Application of plant nutrients such as zinc (Zn) and gypsum is a viable and cheap strategy to minimize its accumulation in edible plant portions. Therefore, this investigation was conducted to determine the effectiveness of Zn and gypsum against Cd accumulation in wheat. The results showed that Cd toxicity considerably decreased the plant growth, physiological activities, and yield attributes and increased the Cd accumulation in root, shoot, and grain, while application of Zn and gypsum remarkably increased the growth and yield and decreased the Cd accumulation in plant parts in Cd-contaminated soil. The results also depicted that application of Zn showed better results as compared to gypsum. In conclusion, we can say that application of Zn and gypsum remarkably ameliorated the Cd toxicity and decreased its accumulation in wheat, grown in Cd-contaminated soil.     

3种植物对红壤中镉的富集特性研究

重金属超富集植物是重金属污染土壤植物修复的基础,研究了3种重金属富集植物羽叶鬼针草、美洲商陆和紫叶芥菜对重金属Cd的吸收积累规律,为植物修复Cd污染的农田和生态环境建设提供科学依据。采用盆栽方法,在不同浓度（0、20、35、50、65、80mg·kg^-1）Cd处理下,分别测定3种植物地上部与根部Cd的含量,计算了地上部Cd迁移量、根系耐性指数、富集系数,研究了土壤中Cd添加量与植物富集Cd量的相关性。结果表明,随着土壤中Cd离子浓度的升高,3种植物地上部和根系中的Cd含量也在增加,相关系数都大于0．99;综合地上部与根部Cd含量,地上部Cd迁移量,根系耐性指数和富集系数,3种植物对Cd的富集能力的相对顺序为：羽叶鬼针草〉美洲商陆〉紫叶芥菜。羽叶鬼针草、美洲商陆种植在Cd处理浓度为65mg·kg^-1的土壤中和紫叶芥菜种植在Cd处理浓度为80mg·kg^-1的土壤中栽培时,3种植物地上部与根部的Cd含量均超过了100mg·kg^-1,达到了Cd超富集量的标准。羽叶鬼针草、美洲商陆和紫叶芥菜对Cd有很强的耐受性和富集性,可以作为先锋植物去修复被Cd污染的土壤。     

Effect of Cadmium and Iron on Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Plant in Chelator-Buffered Nutrient Solution

ABSTRACT

To better understand the mechanisms responsible for differences in uptake and distribution of cadmium (Cd), nutrient-solution experiments were conducted with different varieties of rice (Oryza sativa), ‘Khitish’ and ‘CNRH3’. The plants were grown in a complete nutrient solution with different levels of pCd (-log free Cd⁺² activity) and pFe [-log free iron (Fe⁺²) activity]. The required concentrations of chelating agent and metals were determined using a computerized chemical equilibrium model such as Geochem-PC. Experimental treatments included a combination of four pCd activity levels (0, 7.9, 8.2, and 8.5) applied as Cd (NO₃)₂ 4H₂O, and two pFe activity levels (17.0 and 17.8) applied as FeCl₃. The application of both Cd and Fe in solution culture significantly affected plant growth, yield, and Cd accumulation in plant tissue. In general, yield of rice was decreased by an increase in amount of solution Cd; however, yield response varied among the cultivars. At the 7.9 pCd level, yields of rice cultivars ‘Khitish’ and ‘CNRH3’ were reduced to 69% and 65%, respectively, compared with control plants. Root Cd concentrations ranged from 2.6 mg kg^?1 (control plants) to 505.7 mg kg^?1 and were directly related to solution Cd concentrations. In rice plants, Cd toxicity symptoms resembled Fe chlorosis. Differential tolerance of varieties to phytotoxicity was not readily visible, but a significant interaction of substrate Cd and variety was obtained from dry-matter yields. Significant interactions indicated that response of tissue Cd concentration, plant Cd uptake, and translocation of Cd to the aerial parts were dependent on variety as well as substrate Cd. Uptake of Cd by roots was significantly higher than by shoots. Higher Cd uptake by rice plants decreased the uptake of other beneficial metals.

The effect of Cd and Fe on the rate of phytometallophore release was also studied in the nutrient solution. Among the rice genotypes, ‘Khitish’ was the most sensitive to Cd toxicity. In both genotypes, with the onset of visual Cd-toxicity symptoms, the release of phytometallophore (PM) was enhanced. Among the rice varieties, ‘Khitish’ had the highest rate of PM release. Treatments with the metal ions studied produced a decrease in chlorophyll and enzyme activity. A decrease in concentrations of chlorophyll pigments in the third leaf was observed due to the highest activity level of Cd (pCd 7.9). Activities of enzymes such as peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) are altered by toxic amounts of Cd. Changes in enzyme activities occurred at the lowest activity of Cd (pCd 8.5) in solution. Peroxidase activity increased in the third leaf. Results showed that in contrast with growth parameters, the measurements of enzyme activities may be included as early biomarkers in a plant bioassay to assess the phytotoxicity of Cd-contaminated solution on rice plants. Evidence that Cd uptake and translocation are genetically controlled warrants the selection of varieties that assimilate the least Cd and that translocate the least metal to the plant part to be used for human and animal consumption.     

丛枝菌根真菌对紫花苜蓿吸收土壤中镉和锌的影响

采用温室盆栽试验方法,研究了镉（Cd）、锌（Zn）污染土壤中,8种不同丛枝菌根真菌（AMF）Glomus lamellosum（G.la）、Acaulospora mellea（A.m）、Glomus mosseae（G.m）、Glomus intraradices（G.i）、Glomus etunicatum（G.e）、Glomus constrictum（G.c）、Diversispora spurcum（D.s）、Glomus aggregatum（G.a）对紫花苜蓿（Medicagosativa L.）吸收Cd、Zn的影响。结果表明,Cd、Zn污染下AMF仍然明显侵染紫花苜蓿,并促进紫花苜蓿对Cd、Zn的吸收积累,但不同AMF影响的效应和植株不同部位对重金属的吸收积累规律存在差异。AMF处理下紫花苜蓿根部Cd、Zn含量和积累量明显增加,但地上部Cd、Zn的含量则降低,地上部Zn的积累量也减小,这表明AMF处理减弱了Cd、Zn由根部向地上部的运移,减轻了植物地上部毒害。接种AMF条件下,植株尤其是根部生物量增加是Cd、Zn在其体内含量和积累量增加的重要因素,不同种类AMF促进植株生物量增加的幅度不同,导致植株对Cd、Zn的积累和抗性存在差异。     

Effects of Cadmium on the Content,Accumulation, and Translocation of Nutrients in Bean Plant Cultivated in Nutritive Solution

The effects of increasing dosages of cadmium (Cd) on the content, accumulation, and translocation of macronutrients and micronutrients in different parts of bean plant (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are reported. Plants were cultivated in Clark's nutritive solution and submitted to 0 to 0.5 mg L^?1 of Cd. Experiments were built using an entirely randomized, statistical arrangement, and measurements were performed after 60 days of exposure to Cd. Inclusion of Cd in solution decreases the contents of nutrients in bean plants, except phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) in fruits, sulfur (S) in root, and copper (Cu) in fruits and root. Also, accumulation of nutrients in all parts of plant was reduced, as was the the translocation index for the following nutrients: potassium, calcium, and S in fruits and Cu in shoots. Overall, this work can serve as a template study to evaluate the effects of cadmium on bean plant nutrition.     

丛枝菌根真菌对蚕豆秸秆降解及玉米养分和镉铅吸收的影响

  【目的】   丛枝菌根真菌(arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi,AMF) 有利于作物对养分的吸收。在镉、铅污染的土壤中,作物常将镉、铅积累在秸秆中,随着秸秆的还田而释放回土壤。探究前茬蚕豆秸秆还田和丛枝菌根真菌 单施或联合施用对土壤肥力、后茬玉米的矿质养分与镉、铅吸收的影响,为AMF 在调控污染农田轮作体系矿质养分与镉铅累积的生态功能提供新认识。   【方法】   采用四室隔板分室系统进行蚕豆秸秆降解试验,供试土壤和蚕豆秸秆均来源于云南省会泽铅锌矿区污染区,土壤全镉和铅含量分别为4.5和269.0 mg/kg,蚕豆秸秆镉和铅含量分别为1.9和10.9 mg/kg。将蚕豆秸秆粉碎至粒径0.5～2.0 mm装入尼龙袋中,埋于土壤内进行腐解培养试验。玉米盆栽试验设4个处理:污染土壤对照 (CK)、接种AMF菌根 (AMF)、添加蚕豆秸秆 (SI)、接种AMF菌根同时添加蚕豆秸秆 (SI+AMF)。分析AMF对蚕豆秸秆降解、矿质养分 (N、P、K) 与镉铅释放、土壤速效养分含量、玉米生长、矿质营养和镉铅吸收的影响。   【结果】   接种AMF显著提高蚕豆秸秆的降解量、矿质养分和镉铅释放量,促进蚕豆秸秆降解。与AMF处理相比,AMF+SI处理玉米根系的AMF侵染率提高了12%。SI处理显著增加土壤速效养分含量和玉米植株钾含量,降低玉米根部的镉含量,但对玉米株高和生物量没有显著影响。接种AMF、SI+AMF处理显著提高土壤速效氮、磷、钾含量,增加玉米氮、磷、钾含量与吸收量,显著提高玉米株高和生物量,同时显著降低土壤有效态镉、铅含量和玉米植株镉、铅含量。双因素分析表明,接种AMF和添加秸秆对土壤速效氮、磷、钾含量影响显著,但接种AMF对植株矿质元素吸收量、土壤有效态镉、铅含量和植株镉、铅含量作用显著,接种AMF与添加秸秆对各测定指标没有显著的交互作用。   【结论】   AMF能促进前茬秸秆降解、养分和镉铅的释放。接种AMF在提高土壤氮、磷、钾养分含量,降低有效态镉、铅含量,提高玉米对氮、磷、钾的吸收,降低镉和铅在玉米植株内的积累量等方面,均显示出良好的应用前景。虽然接种AMF与秸秆还田没有表现出显著的交互作用,但秸秆还田可增加AMF在玉米根部的侵染率,因此,在使用AMF菌剂时应考虑秸秆还田。     

Response of leguminosae to cadmium exposure

Bush bean and pea plants grown in a sandy substrate and treated daily with nutrient solutions containing either 50 and 125 pM cadmium (Cd), added as cadmium nitrate [Cd(NO₃)2], were analyzed for dry matter production, total Cd content, and extractable Cd. Cadmium depressed dry matter production of both plant species. Bush bean plants accumulated larger amounts of Cd in tissues and displayed lower Cd tolerance than pea plants. The high accumulation of Cd in roots of bush bean does not seem to prevent Cd translocation. Pea plants show a higher exclusion capacity at the root level, suggesting that membrane selectivity rather than apoplastic compartmentation may act as a defence mechanism against Cd toxicity. Gel‐permeation chromatography and voltammetric analyses showed that part of water‐soluble Cd extracted from tissues of pea and bush bean was as free metal ion (Cd²⁺). In addition, Cd into the nutrient solution induced progressively the synthesis of water‐soluble proteins at low molecular weigth in tissues of both plant specie. In root extracts of pea and bush bean, Cd was also associated with “like‐protein”; fraction with apparent molecular weight >30 KDa.     

不同品种燕麦对镉胁迫响应的差异性研究

利用实验室水培模拟试验,研究了轻度镉胁迫条件下10个燕麦品种生长及吸收积累镉的差异性。结果表明,经5μmol·L-1的镉处理后,供试燕麦品种的株高、根长、地上部与地下部生物量、叶绿素含量、类胡萝卜素含量均出现不同程度的下降,不同品种间存在明显的差异,有的甚至达到极显著水平;不同品种燕麦对镉的吸收与积累也存在明显差异;燕麦镉的吸收转运与耐性没有直接的联系。按照镉胁迫下燕麦耐镉性和镉含量的冠根比进行聚类分析,可将10个品种分为4类：①镉转运少且耐性强;②转运多但耐性强;③转运多且耐性弱;④转运较少但耐性弱。其中品5号地上部生长抑制率最小,并且镉含量、镉转运量较少,表现出较强的耐镉性,在轻度镉污染土壤上种植品5号有利于降低镉污染对人类健康的风险。     

A Meta-Analysis on Phenotypic Variation in Cadmium Accumulation of Rice and Wheat: Implications for Food Cadmium Risk Control

In some densely-populated countries, farmland has been widely cadmium (Cd) contaminated, and the utilization of the contaminated farmland for crop production is currently unavoidable. This necessitates the use of low-Cd crops (i.e., pollution-safe cultivars, the crop varieties with the ability to accumulate a low level of Cd in their edible parts when grown on polluted soil) in these areas and highlights the importance of knowledge on phenotypic variation in crop Cd accumulation for food Cd risk control. Studies on phenotypic variation in heavy metal accumulation started decades ago for a wide range of crops, and synthesis of the scattered experimental results in the literature is in need. We built a Low-Cd Crops Database based on literature research, and relevant meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively explore the phenotypic variation in Cd uptake and translocation of rice and wheat. Considerable variability existed among rice (median grain Cd bioconcentration factor (BCF) of 0.10) and wheat (median grain Cd BCF of 0.21) phenotypes in grain Cd accumulation, and this variability was labile to soil pH and the level of Cd stress. Wheat statistically had a higher root-to-shoot Cd-translocating ability than rice, highlighting potential food Cd risks and the importance of growing low-Cd wheat in slightly Cd-contaminated regions. Meanwhile, no correlations were detected among soil-to-root, root-to-shoot, and shoot-to-grain translocation factors, implying that Cd uptake and internal translocation in crops were probably controlled by different underlying genetic mechanisms. Root-to-shoot Cd transport could be a favorable target trait for selecting and breeding low-Cd rice and wheat. In all, this review provides a comprehensive low-Cd crop list for remediation practice and a systematic meta-analysis inferring food Cd risks based on plant capacity for Cd accumulation and desired traits for low-Cd crop breeding.     

Amelioration of cadmium stress in gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflora L.) by application of potassium and silicon

Gladiolus corms were grown in media contaminated with cadmium (Cd) (50 mg kg^?1) and supplemented with silicon (Si) and potassium (K). The role of Si and K for mitigation of Cd toxicity was evaluated. Cd-induced stress generated significantly increased level of oxidative stress markers including hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in gladiolus. The application of K and Si improved the production of protein and proline in the treated plants. Moreover, K and Si supplemented plants exhibited an improvement in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and a reduction in the level of MDA, H₂O₂ and Cd uptake under Cd stress. Application of K and Si also enhanced the uptake of mineral nutrients including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sulfur (S) and K. The plants supplemented with K and Si exhibited a higher amount of total phenolics and flavonoids. The combined effect of Si and K was more pronounced regarding beneficial effects on gladiolus plants compared to individual effect of these elements under Cd stress. The current research reveals that Si and K may improve gladiolus growth by decreasing the oxidative stress and Cd uptake and by increasing the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes, the quantity of secondary metabolites and plant nutrition.     

植物对重金属镉的吸收转运和累积机制

Cd是土壤污染的主要因素之一,痕量的Cd2 不仅对植物生长有毒害作用,同时对人体健康产生极大的危害.研究植物如何从土壤中吸收Cd2 ,并在整个植物体内运输和积累的机理,对开发植物修复技术及生态环境的恢复具有重要意义.近年研究表明:土壤微环境影响植物对Cd2 的吸收;植物根细胞壁通过选择性吸收可以吸附和固定土壤中的Cd2 ,其中大部分Cd2 被截留在细胞壁中,其余的则通过协助扩散或主动运输等方式透过细胞膜进入根细胞中;在根细胞中Cd部分累积在液泡中,部分则通过木质部运输到地上部分;茎叶部的大部分Cd2 通过络合作用被固定在液泡中,少量被截留在细胞壁和细胞质中.在植物结实期,Cd通过韧皮部进入籽实中,而籽粒中的Cd几乎不能运输到其他部分,主要通过食物链进入动物和人体中.本文综述了植物对Cd的吸收和运输机制方面的研究进展.     

硅酸盐调控抑制水稻对富硒水稻土中Cd吸收

研究目的:通过水稻盆栽试验,探讨了海泡石(SP)、硅钙复合矿物(CS)和水溶性叶面硅肥(YS)3种硅酸盐不同复配处理对富Se水稻土中Cd的迁移和转运和Se的生物有效性的调控效果,以及对糙米中矿质元素吸收的影响。结果表明,海泡石(SP)、海泡石-硅钙复合矿物(SPC)和海泡石-硅钙复合矿物-水溶硅肥(SCY)处理水稻根际土pH值增加0.15～0.31个单位,使土壤Cd由可交换态向碳酸盐结合态和有机结合态转变,而土壤Se由残渣态向生物可利用态转变。与对照(CK)相比,SP、SPC和SCY处理水稻根际土CaCl2-Cd含量降低了19.5%～34.0%,而土壤有效态Se的含量增加了17.8%～36.8%。且SPC和SCY处理糙米中的Cd含量显著降低,比食品安全国家标准(0.2mg/kg)降低了25.0%～90.0%。各处理在降低糙米中Cd的同时,对糙米中Se含量和各矿质元素(Cu、Fe、Zn、Mg和Mn)无显著影响。该研究可为进一步利用SP有效修复富Se水稻土中Cd污染和提高土壤Se的生物有效性提供了有益途径。     

Drought and salinity: A comparison of their effects on mineral nutrition of plants

The increasing frequency of dry periods in many regions of the world and the problems associated with salinity in irrigated areas frequently result in the consecutive occurrence of drought and salinity on cultivated land. Currently, 50% of all irrigation schemes are affected by salinity. Nutrient disturbances under both drought and salinity reduce plant growth by affecting the availability, transport, and partitioning of nutrients. However, drought and salinity can differentially affect the mineral nutrition of plants. Salinity may cause nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, due to the competition of Na⁺ and Cl^– with nutrients such as K⁺, Ca²⁺, and NO . Drought, on the other hand, can affect nutrient uptake and impair acropetal translocation of some nutrients. Despite contradictory reports on the effects of nutrient supply on plant growth under saline or drought conditions, it is generally accepted that an increased nutrient supply will not improve plant growth when the nutrient is already present in sufficient amounts in the soil and when the drought or salt stress is severe. A better understanding of the role of mineral nutrients in plant resistance to drought and salinity will contribute to an improved fertilizer management in arid and semi‐arid areas and in regions suffering from temporary drought. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on plant nutrition under drought and salinity conditions. Specific topics include: (1) the effects of drought and salt stress on nutrient availability, uptake, transport, and accumulation in plants, (2) the interactions between nutrient supply and drought‐ or salt‐stress response, and (3) means to increase nutrient availability under drought and salinity by breeding and molecular approaches.     

Nitrogen nutrition and adaptation of glycophytes to saline environment: a review

Relations between nitrogen (N) nutrition and salinity tolerance in plants are multifaceted and varies significantly depending on many soil and plant factors. Saline environment might experience an N dilemma due to the opposing effects of salt ions on N uptake, translocation and metabolism within the plant body. Adequate regulation of N under saline conditions can be a promising approach to alleviate salinity’s effects on plants by ameliorating ion toxicity and nutrient imbalances through its impacts on the uptake and redistribution of salt ions within the plant. Certain N-containing compounds including proline, glycine betaine, proteins and polyamines help the plants to tolerate salinity through their involvement in improving water uptake and water use efficiency, membrane integrity, enzyme activation, hormonal balance, chlorophyll synthesis, stimulation of photosystems and CO₂ assimilation under salinity stress. Nitrogen, particularly NO₃^? represents a stress signal that triggers the activation of antioxidant enzymes to protect the plants against salinity-induced oxidative damage. Furthermore, the source/form of N application can affect not only N-interactions but also the behavior of other nutrients in stress environment. The present review deals with N-salinity relations in plants, particularly glycophytes, emphasizing on N-induced mechanisms which can improve plant adaptation to saline environment.     

Beneficial elements for agricultural crops and their functional relevance in defence against stresses

The beneficial elements are not deemed essential for all crops but may be vital for particular plant taxa. The distinction between beneficial and essential is often difficult in the case of some trace elements. Elements such as aluminium (Al), cobalt (Co), sodium (Na), selenium (Se) and silicon (Si) are considered beneficial for plants. These elements are not critical for all plants but may improve plant growth and yield. Pertinently, beneficial elements reportedly enhance resistance to abiotic stresses (drought, salinity, high temperature, cold, UV stress, and nutrient toxicity or deficiency) and biotic stresses (pathogens and herbivores) at their low levels. However, the essential-to-lethal range for these elements is somewhat narrow. The effect of beneficial elements at low levels deserves more attention with regard to using them to fertilize crops to boost crop production under stress and to enhance plant nutritional value as a feed or food. A more holistic approach to plant nutrition would not only be restricted to nutrients essential to survival but would also include mineral elements at levels beneficial for best growth. Here, we describe the uptake mechanisms of various beneficial elements, their favourable aspects, and the role of these elements in conferring tolerance against abiotic and biotic stresses.     

Growth and uptake of Cd and Zn by Leucaena leucocephala in reclaimed soils as affected by NaCl salinity

Heavy metal accumulation in reclaimed soils is increasing rapidly in developing countries where the use of saline waters for irrigation is a common practice, even though salinity-heavy metal interactions are not fully understood. An example for this development is the Bangar area of Egypt where the application of contaminated amendments during the last 30 years has increased the Cd and Zn concentrations in topsoils from 0.08 to 0.76 mg · kg^—1 and from 17 to 73 mg · kg^—1 respectively. This work aimed at evaluating the uptake of Cd and Zn by Leucaena leucocephala, a leguminous tree cropped for fodder and green manure, as affected by the addition of 10 mM NaCl to irrigation water. During a 6 month field experiment, salinized and control plots were compared with respect to soil solution composition and root development as well as the uptake of Cd and Zn and their translocation to the leaves. NaCl treatment raised the concentration of organic carbon, Cd and Zn in soil solution and enhanced the uptake of Cd and Zn significantly. Salinized plants showed shorter roots, reduced retention of Cd and Zn in roots and stems and considerable translocation of both elements to the leaves. This work demonstrates that NaCl salinity affects not only the bioavailability of soil Cd and Zn but also modifies plant functions related to their acquisition and translocation to the leaves. The results provide evidence that the risk of transfer of heavy metals to the food chain and their leachability to the ground water may be greater under saline conditions than generally assumed.     

Toxicity and tolerance of aluminium in vascular plants

Elevated levels of Al in soil solution may be toxic to plants. The activity of monomeric inorganic Al species is the best measure of the phytotoxic fraction. Decreasing soil pH increases soil solution Al exponentially as the pH falls below 4.5. In the presence of organic matter and organic acids the availability of A1 is reduced, due to complexation. The Al concentration is also dependent on dominant clay mineral and clay content. Symptoms of Al toxicity usually first appear in the roots becoming structurally and functionally damaged and inefficient in absorbing water and nutrients. This might be due to disturbance of mitosis and changed permeability of the root membranes. Aluminium also affects DNA replication, protein synthesis, and activity of some enzymes. Symptoms on shoots usually develop at a later stage of Al poisoning. There is an antagonism between the macronutrients P, Ca, Mg, and K on the one hand, and Al on the other. Aluminium may induce deficiency of mineral nutrients and high nutrient concentrations reduce al toxicity. There is considerable variation in Al tolerance between species and between varieties of the same species. Several mechanisms for Al tolerance are suggested. Tolerant plants may possess an active exclusion mechanism or may be able to inactivate Al within their tissues. pH increases induced by the plant in the rhizosphere, exudation of chelating agents, a low C.E.C. in the roots and an ability to withstand or compensate Al induced nutrient deficiency are other possible tolerance mechanisms.     

Biochars immobilize soil cadmium, but do not improve growth of emergent wetland species Juncus subsecundus in cadmium-contaminated soil

Purpose

An addition of biochar mixed into the substrate of constructed wetlands may alleviate toxicity of metals such as cadmium (Cd) to emergent wetland plants, leading to a better performance in terms of pollutant removal from wastewater. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of biochars on soil Cd immobilization and phytoavailability, growth of plants, and Cd concentration, accumulation, and translocation in plant tissues in Cd-contaminated soils under waterlogged conditions.

Materials and methods

A glasshouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of biochars derived from different organic sources (pyrolysis of oil mallee plants or wheat chaff at 550 °C) with varied application amounts (0, 0.5, and 5 % w/w) on mitigating Cd (0, 10, and 50 mg kg^?1) toxicity to Juncus subsecundus under waterlogged soil condition. Soil pH and CaCl₂/EDTA-extractable soil Cd were determined before and after plant growth. Plant shoot number and height were monitored during the experiment. The total root length and dry weight of aboveground and belowground tissues were recorded. The concentration of Cd in plant tissues was determined.

Results and discussion

After 3 weeks of soil incubation, pH increased and CaCl₂-extractable Cd decreased significantly with biochar additions. After 9 weeks of plant growth, biochar additions significantly increased soil pH and electrical conductivity and reduced CaCl₂-extractable Cd. EDTA-extractable soil Cd significantly decreased with biochar additions (except for oil mallee biochar at the low application rate) in the high-Cd treatment, but not in the low-Cd treatment. Growth and biomass significantly decreased with Cd additions, and biochar additions did not significantly improve plant growth regardless of biochar type or application rate. The concentration, accumulation, and translocation of Cd in plants were significantly influenced by the interaction of Cd and biochar treatments. The addition of biochars reduced Cd accumulation, but less so Cd translocation in plants, at least in the low-Cd-contaminated soils.

Conclusions

Biochars immobilized soil Cd, but did not improve growth of the emergent wetland plant species at the early growth stage, probably due to the interaction between biochars and waterlogged environment. Further study is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.     

Zinc alleviates growth inhibition and oxidative stress caused by cadmium in rice

A hydroponic experiment with two rice cultivars differing in cadmium (Cd) tolerance was conducted to investigate the alleviating effect of zinc (Zn) on growth inhibition and oxidative stress caused by Cd. Treatments consisted of all combinations of two Zn concentrations (0.2 and 1 μM), three Cd concentrations (0, 1, and 5 μM), and two rice cultivars (Bing 97252, Cd‐tolerant; Xiushui 63, Cd‐sensitive). Cd toxicity caused a dramatic reduction in plant height and biomass, chlorophyll concentration and photosynthetic rate, and an increase in Cd concentration in both roots and shoots, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities in shoots. The response of all these parameters was much larger for Xiushui 63 than for Bing 97252. Addition of Zn to the medium solution alleviated Cd toxicity, which was reflected in a significant increase in plant height, biomass, chlorophyll concentration, and photosynthetic rate, and a marked decrease in MDA concentration and activity of anti‐oxidative enzymes. However, it was noted that Zn increased shoot Cd concentration at higher Cd supply, probably due to the enhancement of Cd translocation from roots to shoots. Therefore, further studies are necessary to determine the effect of Zn supply on Cd translocation from vegetative organs to grains or grain Cd accumulation before Zn fertilizer is applied to Cd‐contaminated soils to alleviate Cd toxicity in rice.     

Growth,sodium, and potassium uptake and translocation in salt stressed tomato

Salinity tolerance in some plant species has been related to characteristics of potassium (K) and sodium (Na) uptake and transport. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., cv. Rossel) plants were grown in nutrient solution to determine effects of two K levels [0.2 (low) and 2 mmol (high)] combined with 0, 100, and 200 mmol NaCl on growth, and on Na and K uptake and translocation. Net uptake rates of Na and K were determined by disappearance in the growth medium and by plant accumulation. At the low level of K in solution, salinity decreased shoot and root dry weight and leaf area. Addition of 2 mmol K ameliorated of the added NaCl effects and improved growth parameters. Salinity reduced net K uptake rates and to a lesser extent K translocation from root to shoot, which resulted in higher K shoot concentration and a lower K root concentration. The inhibitory effect of salinity on K translocation was greater with low K level in nutrient solution. Net uptake of K was dependent on K level in the growth medium. Addition of K resulted in decreases of shoot Na uptake. The translocation of Na from roots to shoots was reduced by K level in nutrient solution. These results indicate that K supply and K accumulation and regulation in plant tissue contribute to salt tolerance and growth enhancement.