Abstract
The adaptability and tolerance of native species to heavy metal-contaminated soils can provide crucial insights for the development of effective heavy metal remediation strategies. Erythrophleum fordii (E. fordii) is a native hardwood species endemic to southern China that exhibits nitrogen fixation and soil improvement capabilities. This study examined the growth and physiological responses of E. fordii seedlings to varying cadmium (Cd) concentrations (control, Cd50, Cd100, Cd150, corresponding to 0, 50, 100, and 150 ppm), aimed to ascertain its potential role in phytoremediation efforts. Current results demonstrated that a moderate concentration of Cd (Cd50) significantly enhanced several plant characteristics, including plant height, root biomass, stem biomass, net photosynthetic rate, maximum net photosynthetic rate, and light saturation point. These observed improvements ranged from 12.15 % to 32.88 %, compared with control. Conversely, the highest Cd level (Cd150) resulted in substantial reductions in plant height, root biomass, chlorophyll content, and gas exchange parameters. Furthermore, malondialdehyde content increased markedly at Cd100 and Cd150 levels by 68.86 % and 118.92 %, respectively. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) and the content of osmotic regulatory substances (soluble protein and soluble sugar) reached their peaks at Cd100 level, increased by 32.61–88.39 %. This indicated E. fordii's capacity to mitigate Cd-induced stress. Significant correlations were observed between growth indicators, chlorophyll content, and net photosynthetic rate, as well as between antioxidant enzymes and osmotic substances. The principal component analysis highlighted the superior performance of E. fordii in Cd50 treatment. The results revealed that moderate Cd promoted growth, photosynthetic activity, and physiological resilience in E. fordii, whereas the highest concentration of Cd (Cd150) was detrimental. These findings offer perceptiveness to the cultivation of E. fordii and its tolerance to heavy metals, with implications for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soils.
Published Version
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