Differences in cadmium accumulation and induced changes in root anatomical structures in plants used for food
¹University of Latvia, Faculty of Biology, Department of Plant Physiology, St. Jelgavas 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
²University of Latvia, Institute of Biology, Laboratory of Plant Mineral Nutrition, St. Miera 3, LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia
*Correspondence: vita.alle@lu.lv
Abstract:
A rapid urbanization passes all over the world thus the effect of chemicals, including heavy metals, increases on plants. Heavy metal pollution poses a serious hazard to humans’ health, and it uptake into plants is the primary way through which it can enter the food chain. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of cadmium (Cd) contamination on plant growth responces, Cd uptake, and changes in the root anatomical structures as species-specific reaction to Cd stress. The vegetation experiment was carried out with monocotyledon Hordeum vulgare L. and dicotyledonous Lactuca sativa L. The plants were grown in quartz sand under controlled optimal growth conditions. Changes in the root structure and Cd accumulation were studied at five levels of Cd added as Cd(NO3)2 4 H2O solution in substrate. The level of Cd in the air-dry plant material was estimated by an atomic absorption spectrometer. To identify structural changes in the plant roots which were caused by Cd accumulation cross sections were cut using microtome and stained with Astra Blue/Safranin for observations using a light microscope. Barley and lettuce growth and development were significantly influenced by increasing the amount of Cd in substrate. There were differences in the ability to accumulate Cd in above-ground plant parts depending on a model object. Substrate contamination with Cd caused significant changes in the root anatomical structures. The obtained results confirmed significance of anatomical and physiological studies to reveal species-specific plant response to Cd stress to avoid heavy metal entrance in the food.
Key words:
barley, cadmium uptake, growth responses, lettuce, root anatomy