Improvement of phytoremediation potential of Indian mustard by sulfur treatment of cadmium-contaminated soil

Abstract

The phytoremediation potential of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) on the cadmium-contaminated soil was investigated under the treatment of sulfur (15, 30 and 60 g/kg soil). The effects of the sulfur treatment were evaluated by measuring the biomass and root vitality of the plants, enzymatic activities, and the content of malondialdehyde and Cd. The results show that the biomass and root vitality of the plants were significantly increased, and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were improved when the soil was treated with 30 g sulfur /kg soil, while the activities of peroxidase and malondialdehyde were decreased. The total Cd in the plants treated with 15 g/kg soil was 2.8 times higher than that in the control plants. In summary, the results indicate that the addition of sulfur could promote the growth of Indian mustard and promote the uptake of Cd. As such, the treatment of cadmium-contaminated soil with sulfur can be used as a strategy for the removal of cadmium contamination by improving the phytoremediation potential of Indian mustard