A study on the effect of cadmium on the antioxidative defense system and alteration in different functional groups in castor bean and Indian mustard

The present study was planned to delineate the role of antioxidants and different functional groups of Ricinus communis and Brassica juncea in the tolerance mechanisms toward cadmium (Cd) for phytoremediation. Application of Cd caused a reduction in dry biomass of 53.84% and 26.58% in root and 45.33% and 33.84% in shoots of B. juncea and R. communis, respectively. Antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase, and metabolites (proline) increased in both the species due to Cd exposure. The metal caused substantial changes in the functional groups present in the roots and leaves of the plants. A number of new peaks appeared in the Cd-treated plants, which indicate the production of the compounds responsible for the metal tolerance of these plants. R. communis has been found to possess a good antioxidant defense system against Cd stress and may be used for the phytoremediation of metal-contaminated soils in place of edible crops, which enhance the risk of contaminating the food chain. It has been observed that R. communis accumulated 213.39 and 335.68 mg Cd in roots and shoots, respectively, whereas B. juncea accumulated 28.19 and 310.15 mg Cd in the roots and shoots, respectively.