The Rhizofiltration of Sodium from Hydroponic Fluid using Scented Geraniums

Abstract

The ability of two scented geraniums, Pelargonium sp. `Frensham' and Pelargonium sp. `Citrosa' to tolerate and accumulate salt was assessed in a hydroponic system under greenhouse conditions. Rooted cuttings were exposed to a range of salt concentrations (0 to 200 mM NaCl) over a two-week period. No visible signs of phytotoxicity were observed on scented geranium plants grown in solutions up to 100 mM sodium chloride. Tolerance to salt exposure was assessed with chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters. A significant decline in the efficiency of the photosystem (Fv/Fm) was observedin Frensham plants exposed to 200 mM NaCl for 14 days. The numberand size of active reaction centers (Fv/Fo) declined with increasing NaCl treatments in both species. Total chlorophyll content of both species decreased with increasing salt treatmentas a result of significant reductions in the chlorophyll acontent. At higher levels of sodium chloride treatment, salt extrusion was observed on the petioles and the leaf lamina. An accumulation in excess of 3.7 and 2.6% of the dry weight of Frensham plants as sodium was observed in shoots and roots, respectively. The effect of the accumulated sodium on the physiology of scented geraniums was assessed through biochemicalanalysis. The determination of amino nitrogen and stress-relatedmarkers revealed an initial increase in 4-aminobutyrate, proline,asparagine, glutamine, and alanine in the root tissues. Shoot analysis showed gradual increases in asparagine, aspartate, andalanine. These data provide the first evidence for the salt tolerating and accumulating potential of Pelargonium sp. and demonstrate the efficacy of this plant species for the remediation of salt contaminated hydroponic solutions.