Uptake and translocation of cadmium and nutrients by Aeluropus littoralis

Abstract

To our knowledge there has been no research on Aeluropus littoralis as a halophyte plant, when grown in soil contaminated with cadmium (Cd). Hence, the ability of A. littoralis to take up Cd and some nutrients was investigated in a pot experiment. Five levels of soil Cd concentration were tested (15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 mg Cd kg⁻¹ soil). Plants were harvested at three different times and analyzed for Cd, N, P, K, Mg, Mn, Cu, Fe and Zn concentrations. Plant biomass decreased as a result of excess Cd. Cadmium concentration in plant shoots increased with increasing Cd supply, significantly affecting the plant nutrient content. An excess Cd supply increased macronutrient and decreased micronutrient concentrations in the plant. Although, the research process will become more complicated, this new approach may help to investigate the tolerance of A. littoralis to Cd stress for use in phytoremediation.

Keywords:

• heavy metal
• phytoremediation
• salt-tolerant plant

Acknowledgements

This research has been supported by Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr Branch, Qaemshahr, Iran.