Comparison of Arsenic and Phosphate Uptake and Distribution in Arsenic Hyperaccumulating and Nonhyperaccumulating Fern

Abstract

Uptake of arsenic (As) and its distribution in Chinese Brake fern (Pteris vittata L.), an As hyperaccumulator, and Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata L.), a nonhyperaccumulator, in the presence of phosphorus (P), were characterized by employing a hydroponic experiment with a complete three-factorial design. Two levels of As (100 and 1000 µM) and four levels of P (0, 100, 500, and 1000 µM) were used in this study. Arsenic uptake rates on the basis of root fresh weight for the two ferns were similar at low As concentration (100 µM). At high As concentration (1000 µM), however, As uptake rates (373–987 nmol g−1 f wt h−1) of P. vittata were significantly greater than those of N. exaltata (164–459 nmol g−1 f wt h−1). In both ferns, addition of P reduced their As uptake rate as well as accumulation. Pteris vittata had a greater As TF (Translocation factor = concentration ratio of fronds to roots) than N. exaltata. On the contrary, N. exaltata displayed a greater P TF than P. vittata. As a result, high P/As ratio was observed in the roots of P. vittata, whereas high P/As ratio was observed in the fronds of N. exaltata. The study illustrated that As hyperaccumulation by P. vittata may be facilitated by its high As influx rate and its high molar P/As ratio in the roots resulting from both high As TF and low P TF.