Thermogravimetric analysis of plant water content in relation with heavy metal stress

Abstract

We have used simultaneous thermogravimetry & differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC) to estimate water content of wheat plants exposed to toxic concentration of copper and cadmium. Our study revealed that water content tends to decrease along with the increase of the exogenous heavy metal supply. These data suggested a different status of water: on the one hand, form an organ to another, and on the other hand, in stressed plants compared with control plants. The observed differences could be correlated with reshaping processes induced by heavy metal stress, especially at cell wall level. Accumulation of fibrous constituents having important properties like ion binding and water-holding capacity, may affect water distribution and interactions. TG/DSC appears as a promising technique for revealing certain aspects of stress biochemistry and physiology in plants.