Growth responses of Sagittaria sagittifolia L. plants to water contamination with cadmium

Abstract

Cadmium accumulation, the relative content of different chemical forms of Cd, as well as the toxic effect of Cd on nutrient element uptake, physiological parameters, and ultrastructure of Sagittaria sagittifolia L. seedlings were determined after the seedlings were exposed to different Cd concentrations for 4 days. The results showed that S. sagittifolia had the ability to accumulate large amounts of Cd. In the root, stem, and bulb, the predominant chemical Cd forms were NaCl extractable. With an increase in the Cd2+ concentration, the chlorophyll content, the relative membrane penetrability (RMP) of root cells, peroxidase (POD) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in leaves, malondiadehyde (MDA) content and the superoxide anion (O2−) generation rate in roots all decreased following an initial increase. On the other hand, catalase (CAT) activity, SOD activity in roots, MDA content, and the generation rate of O2− in leaves all increased gradually. The toxic effect of Cd2+ was more severe on roots than on leaves at the same concentration. Cadmium affected the mineral nutrition balance; mainly, it promoted the uptake of Ca, Cu, Mn, and Fe, while inhibited Mg, Na, and K uptake. The physiological toxic effect of Cd2+ was close to the ultrastructural damage induced by Cd contamination. A significant correspondence was observed between the Cd dose and its toxic effect. Cadmium could destroy the normal ultrastructure, disturb the ion balance, and interfere with cell metabolism.