Enhanced phytostabilization of cadmium by a halophyte—Acanthus ilicifolius L. Issue 4 (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shackira, A. M.; Puthur, Jos T.
• Is Part Of: International journal of phytoremediation. Volume 19:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 319
• Page End: 326
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: phytostabilization -- cadmium -- BCF -- TF -- antioxidants -- MDA; Phytoremediation -- Periodicals; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2016.1225284
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1522-6514

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Heavy metal pollution in mangrove wetlands has become a growing matter of concern as it serves as sink and source for toxic heavy metals including cadmium (Cd). The present study evaluates the phytostabilization potential of a halophyte, Acanthus ilicifolius L., toward Cd under hydroponic culture conditions. Accumulation, translocation, and effects of Cd on the antioxidant system of A. ilicifolius were studied. Results indicated that A. ilicifolius accumulated Cd mainly in roots (96.4%) as compared to stem (1.4%) and leaves (0.6%) and the accumulated Cd is retained in root rather than being translocated to shoots as indicated by TF < 0.26. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased upon Cd treatment, which is further detoxified by the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant mechanism. Antioxidants like proline, ascorbate, and amino acid recorded an increased accumulation in the Cd-treated plants followed by the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Therefore, the rate of sugar accumulation was found to be decreased in plants treated with Cd as compared to the control plants. Thus, having relatively high BCFroot (69.3) and low TFshoot (0.26) values, A. ilicifolius can be suggested as a potential candidate for phytostabilization of Cd in mangrove wetlands.