20 research outputs found
Physiological aspects of willows (Salix spp.) in citric acid assisted phytoremediation of cadmium
U radu je analiziran uticaj limunske kiseline na morfološke, fiziološke i biohemijske karakteristike odabranih klonova vrba (Salix spp.) gajenih u zemljištu umereno zagađenom kadmijumom (Cd). Definisanjem parametara akumulacije, otpornosti i tolerantnosti različitih klonova vrba na prisustvo kadmijuma u podlozi, kao i uspešnosti primene limunske kiseline kao helatora u procesu asistirane fitoremedijacije, mogao bi se identifikovati klon (ili klonovi) pogodan za dekontaminaciju zemljišta zagađenog kadmijumom. Da bi se postigao cilj istraživanja biljke su gajene u polu-kontrolisanim uslovima tokom 3 meseca. Eksperiment je podeljen u dve faze (dve godine istraživanja),zasnovane na razlikama u metodološkom pristupu. Tokom prve godine limunska kiselina je dodata jednom, dok je tokom druge druge godine aplikacija ovog helatora vršena u tri ponavljanja. U radu je analizaran sadržaj i distribucija Cd u zemljištu i različitim biljnim organima (koren, izdanak, mladi i stari listovi); uticaj Cd i limunske kiseline na morfometrijske parametre: visina i prečnik izdanka, masa i površina listova, broj listova, masa i zapremina korena; na fotosintetičke karakteristike: intenzitet fotosinteze, intenzitet transpiracije, stomatalnu provodljivost, intercelularnu koncentraciju CO2, efikasnost korišćenja vode, koncentraciju fotosintetičkih pigmenata; na mineralnu ishranu i distribuciju makronutrijenata u biljkama (sadržaj azota, fosfora i kalijuma); na sadržaj aminokiseline prolina i cisteina; na aktivnost antioksidativnih enzima (katalaza, askorbat-peroksidaza, gvajakol-peroksidaza), kao neezmiskih antioksidanata poput sadržaja redukovanog glutationa i tiola. Dobijeni rezultati su ukazali na genotipsku specifičnost analiziranih klonova vrba u procesu fitoremedijacije u zavisnosti od primenjenog tretmana, doze Cd i prisustva limunske kiseline. Toksično dejstvo nije bilo jasno uočljivo na morfološkom nivou, dok su primenjeni tretmani signifikantno uticali na fiziološko-biohemijske procese u biljkama. Sa povećanjem sadržaja Cd u biljkama je utvrđena tendencija smanjenja intenziteta fotosinteze, transpiracije, kao i efikasnosti koršćenja vode, dok je primena limunske kiseline ublažila štetan efekat ovog teškog metala, što je registrovano na kombinovanim tretmanima. Kao odgovor na akumulaciju Cd u biljnom tkivu utvrđena je promena aktivnosti antioksidativnih enzima, kao i neezimskih komponenti odbrambenog sistema zaštite. Pored toga, u radu je utvrđeno da primena limunske kiseline utiče na usvajanje, akumulaciju i toleranciju vrba na prisustvo Cd, te rezultati ove studije imaju praktičan značaj u usavršavanju tehnika fitoremedijacije i dekontaminacije zagađenih područja.The role of citric acid on morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics of selected willow clones (Salix spp.) grown in soil with moderately polluted cadmium (Cd) was presented. The aim of this study was to determine the Cd accumulation, translocation and tolerance of different willow clones, as well as the influence of citric acid as a chelator in the assisted phytoremediation process. In order to achieve this goal, plants were grown in semi-controlled conditions for 3 months. The experiment was divided into two phases (two years of research), based on differences in the methodological approach, regarding the application of citric acid. During the first-year experiment, citric acid was added once, while in the second year the application of this chelator was performed in three repetitions. The analyses included: the accumulation and distribution of Cd in soil and various plant organs (root, stem, young and old leaves); influence of Cd and citric acid on morphometric parameters: stem hight and diameter, number of leaves, biomass and area of leaves, biomass and volume of the root; on photosynthetic characteristics: net photosynthetic and transpiration rate, water use efficiency, stomatal conductance, intercellular concentration of CO2, concentration of photosynthetic pigments; on mineral nutrition and distribution of macronutrients in plants (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content); on the content of the amino acid proline and cysteine; on the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase), as non- enzymatic components such as reduced glutathione and thiol content. The obtained results indicated the genotypic specificity of the analyzed willow clones in the phytoremediation process, depending on the treatment applied, the Cd dose, and the presence of citric acid. The toxic effect was not evident on the morphological level, while the applied treatments showed a significant influence on the physiologicalbiochemical processes in the willows. The net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, as well as, water use eficiency showed decreasing with increasing Cd concentration in plant tissue, while the application of citric acid mitigated the harmful effect of this heavy metal, which was registered on combined treatments. In response to the accumulation of Cd in plant tissue, a change in the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes, as well as nonenzymatic components of the defense system has been established. In addition, the application of citric acid showed the promotion role on the absorption, accumulation and tolerance of willows grown in moderately polluted soil cadmium, which has a practical significance in the improvement of phytoremediation techniques and decontamination of polluted soil
Responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) plants to cadmium toxicity in relation to magnesium nutrition
The influence of cadmium (Cd) on physiological processes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) plants exposed to either optimal mineral nutrition or the absence of magnesium (Mg) as well as the accumulation of cadmium and magnesium in plant organs were studied using the method of water culture in a greenhouse. Cd treatment reduced shoot fresh mass more strongly in Mg-supplied than in Mg-deficient plants. Negative effect of Cd on photosynthetic activity was more pronounced in T. aestivum than in Z. mays plants. Cd treatment decreased leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid concentration in both Z. mays and T. aestivum, irrespective of the Mg supply. Cd was preferentially accumulated in the roots of both species. Catalase activity in T. aestivum leaves and roots was unaffected by Cd and Mg supply. Cd treatment did not affect Fe accumulation in the leaves of either species, while in the roots a considerable increase occurred, irrespective of the Mg nutrition. Higher tolerance of Z. mays and T. aestivum plants to Cd toxicity exposed to Mg deficiency could partly be ascribed to the preservation of Fe nutrition
Essential-oil composition of parsley and celery conventionally and organically grown in Vojvodina
Celery (Apium graveolens L.) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum L.) are aromatic umbelliferous plants widely used as spices in the human diet due to the presence of essential oils. The chemical composition of the essential oils of aromatic plants can vary depending on the geographical origin, type of soil and agricultural practices [1,2]. In the present study, the influence of location (type of soil) and agricultural practices on the chemical composition of essential oils of parsley and celery leaf was investigated. The samples of both organically and conventionally grown plants were collected from different locations in the province of Vojvodina. The essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation and then subjected to GC-MS analysis. Identification of chemical constituents was based on a comparison of their retention indices and mass spectra with spectral libraries and literature data. The main components of the essential oils obtained from parsley leaves were 1,3,8-menthatriene (22.8-50.9%), myristicin (12.8-36.8%), β-phellandrene (14.1-29.0%), and β-myrcene (1.4-12.7%). Celery leaf essential oils were mainly composed of β-phellandrene (41.7-72.6%), limonene (10.2-31.1%), and β-pinene (4.8-19.3%). The results obtained showed that there was no significant difference in the qualitative composition between the samples from different locations as well as between those grown in the conventional or organic way. On the other hand, the relative amount of particular compounds significantly varied between the samples in general, thus the correlation between their content and cultivation conditions or soil type could not be established. In conclusion, the way of production has no specific effect on the qualitative composition of parsley and celery essential oils, although it can affect the relative quantity of their constituents
Drought Impact Is Alleviated in Sugar Beets (Beta vulgaris L.) by Foliar Application of Fullerenol Nanoparticles
Over the past few years, significant efforts have been made to decrease the effects of drought stress on plant productivity and quality. We propose that fullerenol nanoparticles (FNPs, molecular formula C-60(OH)(24)) may help alleviate drought stress by serving as an additional intercellular water supply. Specifically, FNPs are able to penetrate plant leaf and root tissues, where they bind water in various cell compartments. This hydroscopic activity suggests that FNPs could be beneficial in plants. The aim of the present study was to analyse the influence of FNPs on sugar beet plants exposed to drought stress. Our results indicate that intracellular water metabolism can be modified by foliar application of FNPs in drought exposed plants. Drought stress induced a significant increase in the compatible osmolyte proline in both the leaves and roots of control plants, but not in FNP treated plants. These results indicate that FNPs could act as intracellular binders of water, creating an additional water reserve, and enabling adaptation to drought stress. Moreover, analysis of plant antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, APx and GPx), MDA and GSH content indicate that fullerenol foliar application could have some beneficial effect on alleviating oxidative effects of drought stress, depending on the concentration of nanoparticles applied. Although further studies are necessary to elucidate the biochemical impact of FNPs on plants; the present results could directly impact agricultural practice, where available water supplies are often a limiting factor in plant bioproductivity
Heavy metal contamination of vegetables from green markets in Novi Sad
are valuable source of vitamins, minerals and fibers important for healthy
human nutrition. However, an increased level of heavy metals in vegetables
has been noticed in recent years. This study was conducted with an aim to
analyze content of heavy metals, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr)
in 11 vegetable species which are the most common in human diet. Vegetables
were collected from three green markets (Limanska, Futoška and Riblja pijaca)
in Novi Sad, during September and October, from 2009 to 2011. Heavy metal
contents were analyzed in edible parts of tomato, potato, spinach, onion,
beetroot, parsley, parsnip, carrot, cauliflower, pepper and broccoli using
atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Varian, AAS 240FS). The results showed
statistically significant differences in element concentrations among
analyzed vegetables. In general, the highest metal pollution was observed in
the year of 2011. Spinach was found to contain the highest metals content -
0.89 μg/g for Cd, 5.81 μg/g for Pb, and 3.67 μg/g for Cr. According to
Serbian official regulations, 18.18% of all analyzed species exceeded maximum
permissible level for Cd, 9.09% for Pb, while for Cr these limits are not
defined. Elevated content of heavy metals in vegetables might be related to
soil contamination, atmospheric depositions during transportation and
marketing. Thus, a continuous monitoring of vegetables on markets should be
performed in order to prevent potential health risks to consumers
Effects of fullerenol on antioxidant enzyme activity and gene expression in sugar beet under drought
Photosynthetic response and tolerance of three willow species to cadmium exposure in hydroponic culture
Three willow species (Salix alba, Salix matsudana and Salix nigra) were
exposed to very high cadmium (Cd) concentrations in order to define some
physiological traits related to high biomass production. Plants were grown
hydroponically under semi-controlled conditions (greenhouse). It was assumed
that leaves accumulate different amounts of Cd in relation to their age due
to the specific occurrence of symptoms generated by Cd accumulation. The
rate of photosynthesis and concentration of photosynthetic pigments in young
and old leaves was correlated with biomass production in order to ascertain
their significance as indicators of plant performance at sites contaminated
with Cd. Changes in the photosynthetic parameters induced by treatments
depended on the concentration of Cd in the nutrient solution, the species of
willow and leaf age. Fv/Fm ratios were not considerably changed in treated
plants, indicating preserved activity of PSII. According to results
presented in this work, the Fv/Fm ratio was a less sensitive indicator of Cd
stress in willows than the rate of photosynthesis and pigment concentration.
High tolerance to applied treatments estimated on the basis of biomass
production of S. nigra and S. matsudana irrespective of Cd concentration in
the growth substrate might indicate their potential in the reclamation of
Cd-contaminated sites. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br.
No. III 043007
Photosynthetic and transpiration rate of treated plants.
<p>Photosynthetic and transpiration rate of treated plants.</p