Экологическая и аналитическая токсикология

Effect of Citric Acid on Cadmium Ion Uptake and Stress Response of Hydroponically Grown Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius)

Abstract

Hassan MS, Dagari MS and Babayo AU

This research work investigates the possibility of improving the phytoextraction of Cd by the application of citric acid. For this purpose, plants were grown in hydroponics under controlled conditions. Addition of 1, 5, 10 and 20 mg/L, Cd2+ significantly decreased the plant growth and biomass, and increased proline contents. The effects were dose dependent with obvious effects at higher Cd2+ concentration of 20 mg/L. Application of 5mM citric acid (CA) significantly depressed Cd2+ uptake and its accumulation in plant roots and shoots. CA alleviated Cd2+ toxicity by reducing oxidative stress. Application of CA also enhanced the antioxidant enzymes activity alone and under Cd stress. The results showed that Cd2+ accumulated more in roots than the shoots and application of citric acid depressed Cd2+ uptake at all concentrations. Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) proved to be an effective accumulator for cadmium, however, neither concentration of citric acid showed advantages for phytoextraction of cadmium. The results showed that jute mallow is a potential plant for phytoextraction of Cd without the use of CA as enhancer.