Bioaccumulation Of Cadmium Research Articles

New steam-reforming catalysts improve performance

The threat of cadmium (Cd), which is the cause of itai-itai disease in Japan, is still complicated and confusing, especially for digestive system, such as liver disease. One of the most keys of this problem is demonstrating that the hepatotoxicity is indeed induced by Cd. Therefore, we attempt detecting Cd at microscale during ultrastructural imaging of liver tissue.12 rats were divided randomly into two experimental groups: control and Cd-treated. Treated rats were intraperitoneal injected with 1 mg/kg body weight cadmium chloride (CdCl2) for 4 weeks (5 P.M each day for 6 days/week). At the end of the exposure period, liver tissue samples were processed into ultrathin sections for analysis of advanced analytical transmission electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (TEM/X-EDS) investigations. Ultrastructural images and X-ray energy dispersive spectrum were acquired at microscale.Cd can cause changes in the structure of the organelle, including the collapse of the membrane structure in the cell, the destruction of the internal structure of the organelle, the mitochondrial swelling, the expansion of the endoplasmic reticulum, and the appearance of inclusions. Cadmium bioaccumulation is detected in the mitochondria at microscale by TEM/X-EDS, which is the visual evidence of morphological changes of mitochondria related to Cd.The combination of detailed ultrastructure and microscale X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (X-EDS) characterization of cadmium hepatotoxicity demonstrate that cadmium indeed leads to mitochondrial damage, which is helpful for further investigation of the pathological mechanism of cadmium hepatotoxicity.

Detecting cadmium during ultrastructural characterization of hepatotoxicity

BackgroundThe threat of cadmium (Cd), which is the cause of itai-itai disease in Japan, is still complicated and confusing, especially for digestive system, such as liver disease. One of the most keys of this problem is demonstrating that the hepatotoxicity is indeed induced by Cd. Therefore, we attempt detecting Cd at microscale during ultrastructural imaging of liver tissue. Methods12 rats were divided randomly into two experimental groups: control and Cd-treated. Treated rats were intraperitoneal injected with 1 mg/kg body weight cadmium chloride (CdCl2) for 4 weeks (5 P.M each day for 6 days/week). At the end of the exposure period, liver tissue samples were processed into ultrathin sections for analysis of advanced analytical transmission electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (TEM/X-EDS) investigations. Ultrastructural images and X-ray energy dispersive spectrum were acquired at microscale. ResultsCd can cause changes in the structure of the organelle, including the collapse of the membrane structure in the cell, the destruction of the internal structure of the organelle, the mitochondrial swelling, the expansion of the endoplasmic reticulum, and the appearance of inclusions. Cadmium bioaccumulation is detected in the mitochondria at microscale by TEM/X-EDS, which is the visual evidence of morphological changes of mitochondria related to Cd. ConclusionThe combination of detailed ultrastructure and microscale X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (X-EDS) characterization of cadmium hepatotoxicity demonstrate that cadmium indeed leads to mitochondrial damage, which is helpful for further investigation of the pathological mechanism of cadmium hepatotoxicity.

Bioaccumulation of cadmium in different genotypes of wheat crops irrigated with different sources of water in agricultural regions.

The study was carried out to evaluate the health risks associated with accumulation of cadmium in the different genotypes of wheat, grown in agricultural regions of Punjab, Pakistan. Five genotypes irrigated with three varied water sources were selected randomly from each region. Among all sources of water, types of soil, and grain samples, the cadmium (Cd) quantities were found (2.24-2.82 mg/L, 1.75-4.16 mg/kg, 0.86-1.90, respectively), exceeding the maximum permissible limits (0.01 mg/L, 1.1 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg, respectively) described by FAO/WHO. The pollution load index (PLI) exhibited by all of the samples was higher than 1.00, the permissible limit; however, other factors including bioaccumulation, translocation, bio-concentration, daily intake, and enrichment values of Cd were less than 1.00. Moreover, the health risk index for cadmium in all types of wheat grain samples was less than 1.00. The study concluded that the continuous use of wastewater resources may lead to the accumulation of cadmium in the vital body organs that may cause severe health hazards.

Biological Responses to Cadmium Stress in Liverwort Conocephalum conicum (Marchantiales).

Oxidative damage (production and localization of reactive oxygen species) and related response mechanisms (activity of antioxidant enzymes), and induction of Heat Shock Protein 70 expression, have been studied in the toxi-tolerant liverwort Conocephalum conicum (Marchantiales) in response to cadmium stress using two concentrations (36 and 360 µM CdCl2). Cadmium dose-dependent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and related activity of antioxidant enzymes was observed. The expression level of heat shock protein (Hsp)70, instead, was higher at 36 µM CdCl2 in comparison with the value obtained after exposure to 360 µM CdCl2, suggesting a possible inhibition of the expression of this stress gene at higher cadmium exposure doses. Biological responses were related to cadmium bioaccumulation. Since C. conicum was able to respond to cadmium stress by modifying biological parameters, we discuss the data considering the possibility of using these biological changes as biomarkers of cadmium pollution.

Protective effect of probiotic bacteria and its nanoformulation against cadmium-induced oxidative stress in male Wistar rat

The present study assessed the ameliorative potential of a commercial probiotic, Protexin® and its nanoformulation against cadmium (Cd) toxicity in Wistar rats. The ‘green’ synthesized nanoparticles had a size of 170 nm (PDI 0.527) with spherical and tubular bacillary shapes. Rats were exposed to 70 ppm of cadmium chloride hydrate for 35 days. Group I and V were negative and positive control respectively. Groups II, III, and IV were exposed to Cd. The Cd exposed groups, III and IV were treated with the probiotic and nanoprobiotic (1 ml containing 2 × 108cfu) respectively. Cd intoxication led to significant bioaccumulation of cadmium in liver and kidney. A significant increase in the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8 -hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels was observed. The metallothionien (MT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in the liver were significantly increased. The advance oxidation protein products (AOPP) and methylglyoxal (MG) levels were also elevated. Treatment with probiotic and its nanoparticles markedly reversed the Cd induced alterations in the parameters. The nanoformulation was more profound in reducing the (GSH) and MT levels in the liver and 8-OHdG levels in the serum. The key findings suggest that a nutritional intervention in the form of probiotic supplementation is a safe and efficacious remediation against heavy metal toxicity/oxidative stress.

Profiling of rice Cd-tolerant genes through yeast-based cDNA library survival screening

The bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd) in crop and the subsequent food chain has aroused extensive concerns. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of plant Cd tolerance remain to be clarified from the viewpoint of novel candidate genes. Here we described a highly efficient approach for preliminary identifying rice Cd-tolerant genes through the yeast-based cDNA library survival screening combined with high-throughput sequencing strategy. About 690 gene isoforms were identified as being Cd-tolerant candidates using this shotgun approach. Among the Cd-tolerant genes identified, several categories of genes such as BAX inhibitor (BI), NAC transcription factors and Rapid ALkalinization Factors (RALFs) were of particular interest, and their function of Cd tolerance was further validated via heterologous expression, which suggested that SNAC1, RALF12, OsBI-1 can confer Cd tolerance in yeast and tobacco leaves. Regarding the genes involved in ion transport, the validated Cd-tolerant heavy metal-associated domain (HMAD) isoprenylated protein HIPP42 was particularly noteworthy. Further elucidation of these genes associated with Cd tolerance in rice will benefit agricultural activities.

Exogenous selenium improves the physiological resistance of cucumber to cadmium stress

To evaluate the effects of exogenous selenium on cadmium tolerance and accumulation in two varieties of cucumber, pot experiments with cadmium at 10 mg/kg soil were conducted. Plant biomass, cadmium bioaccumulation, cadmium speciation, and antioxidative enzyme activity, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase were determined. Exogenous selenium (1 mg/L for S1 and 2 mg/L for S2) was sprayed on the leaves on cucumbers, which significantly increased the biomasses of the roots, stems, leaves, and fruits in both cucumber varieties. The cadmium bioaccumulation in the cucumbers decreased with the increase of selenium. The contents of pectate/protein-bound cadmium increased and the cadmium − organic acid complexes and inorganic cadmium tended to decrease with the selenium addition. Supplementation with selenium improved the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase in the two cucumber varieties.

The new fertilizer regulation: A starting point for cadmium control in European arable soils?

Bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd) in the agricultural soil constitutes a dangerous risk for the health of both the environment and humans. Especially in the European Union, a large amount of Cd in agricultural topsoil originates from mineral fertilizer application. In this context, the EU has recently adopted the Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 with the aim to establish stricter limits for Cd presence in fertilizer products and to promote a higher use of fertilizers from organic sources. This paper discusses the future implications of the new regulation to limit the presence of cadmium (Cd) in agricultural soils and food products. The Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 represents an important step of the EU circular economy action plan with its aim to encourage the production of low cadmium content fertilizers. This paper focuses on the limits of the Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 and on the need for complementary policy instruments to protect and conserve agricultural soil health. We highlight the recently proposed, and subsequently withdrawn, EU Soil Framework Directive (SFD) as a meaningful complementary policy tool in the context of a renewed effort to pursue protection and conservation of soil health.

Effect of acidified biochar on bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd) and rice growth in contaminated soil

Abstract The contamination of cadmium (Cd) in the agricultural lands due to the irrigation of untreated wastewater and raw city effluents has become a serious issue with further increment being done by other anthropogenic activities. This practice has become a serious health hazard for humans as cereal crops like rice (Oryza sativa L.) can accumulate significant Cd and become unsafe to consume. Application of organic amendments like biochar has significant reported effects on Cd immobilization and mitigation of Cd toxicity in plants. Modifications in biochar have become well-practiced to enhance its efficacy, especially in alkaline soils. The objective of our study was to test the Cd stress mitigation in rice mediated by the acid-treated biochar. Acid Treated rice husk biochar (RHB) was prepared by treating RHB with three acids (HCl, HNO3, H 3 PO4), each applied at 2 levels (2.5 N and 5 N). Acid-treated biochars were applied at 2% making a total of 8 treatments including 2 controls (contaminated/spiked and non-contaminated). Rice growth, paddy yield, and Cd accumulation proved the efficacy of 5 N H 3 PO 4 treatment of RHB as the most efficient treatment. Compared to contaminated control, 5 N H 3 PO4-RHB application has shown the most significant increment in rice growth (plant height 48.8%, spike length 36.4%, root length 58.8%, root dry weight 234%, straw yield 132.9%, paddy yield 61.7% increase compared to contaminated control). The 5 N H 3 PO4-RHB also decreased bioavailable Cd in soil by 87%, and its accumulation in shoot and paddy by 83.4% and 95.7%, respectively compared to contaminated control. The HCl treatment has shown some toxicity, which might be due to excess of chloride.

Effects of zinc application on cadmium (Cd) accumulation and plant growth through modulation of the antioxidant system and translocation of Cd in low- and high-Cd wheat cultivars

Cadmium (Cd) contamination is a big challenge for managing food supply and safety around the world. Reduction of the bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd) in wheat is an important way to minimize Cd hazards to human health. This study compared and highlighted the effects of soil and foliar applications of Zn on Cd accumulation and toxicity in cultivars with high Cd accumulation (high-Cd wheat) and low Cd accumulation (low-Cd wheat). Both foliar and soil Zn applications provided effective strategies for reducing wheat grain Cd concentrations in the high-Cd wheat by 26–49% and 25–52%, respectively, and these also significantly reduced the concentrations in wheat stems and leaves. Foliar and soil Zn applications significantly reduced Cd in leaves and stems of the low-Cd wheat but had no effects on grain Cd. Both soil and foliar Zn applications significantly alleviated Cd toxicity by regulation of Cd transport genes, as reflected by the increased grain yield and antioxidant enzyme activity in the wheat tissues. Gene expression in response to zinc application differed in the two wheat cultivars. Down-regulation of the influx transporter (TaNramp5) and upregulation of the efflux transporters (TaTM20 and TaHMA3) in the high-Cd wheat may have contributed to the Zn-dependent Cd alleviation and enhanced its tolerance to Cd toxicity. Additionally, foliar Zn applications down-regulated the leaf TaHMA2 expression that reduced root Cd translocation to shoots, while soil Zn applications down-regulated the root TaLCT1 expression, which contributed to the reduction of root Cd concentrations. Soil (99 kg ZnSO4·7H2O ha−1) and foliar (0.36 kg ZnSO4·7H2O ha−1) Zn applications can effectively decrease the Cd in grains and guarantee food safety and yield, simultaneously. The presented results provide a new insight into the mechanisms of, and strategies for, using Zn for the Cd reduction in wheat.

Effect of Swine Bone Powder for Reduce Cadmium Uptake by Rice

The effect of swine bone powder application on bioavailability of Cd in contaminated soil from Tak Province, Thailand were conducted. The bioavailability of Cd was investigated in term of the uptake by rice plant (Oryza sativa L.) in green house at three different application rates of swine bone powder amended soil, including 5, 10 and 15%, respectively. The result demonstrated that the efficiency of cadmium uptake in Khao Dawk Mali 105 rice were in range 0.18-0.20 % and the 5% swine bone amended soil had a positive effect on promoting plant growth and seed yield. Cd concentration in both of shoot and roots decreased with increasing the swine bone application rates. Cadmium bioaccumulation in plant root to soil and translocation factor from root to shoot was less than one. The results indicated that swine bone powder-amended soil could be an alternative and cost-effective method to support plant growth and decrease Cd mobility in soil.

Bacterial Community Composition in Cadmium-Contaminated Soils in Xinxiang City and Its Ability to Reduce Cadmium Bioaccumulation in Pak Choi (Brassica chinensis L.)

There are many types of bacteria in heavy metal-contaminated soils, including plant growth-promoting bacteria and heavy metal-immobilizing bacteria, which may potentially be used for the bioremediation of contaminated soil. In this study, the Cd-contaminated soil around a battery factory in Xinxiang City was collected and its bacterial community composition was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and the plate lineation separation method. The traditional culture method showed that bacteria isolated from contaminated soil belonged to four phyla (Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes) and 30 genera including Bacillus, Arthrobacter, and Rhizobium. HTS showed that the soil contained 25 phyla including Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria and 400 genera. The HTS analysis revealed a greater diversity of the bacterial community than the traditional culture method. Network analysis was performed using the relative abundances of bacteria based on the phylogenetic molecular ecological network (pMEN) method. Network analysis showed that the key bacteria included Arthrobacter, Marmoricola, Nocardioides, Ferruginibacter, Flavitalea, Nitrospira, and Lysobacter. The Cd fixation and adsorption abilities of the 159 cultivable strains were determined. The results showed that 30 strains from 11 genera, including Aneurinibacillus, Arthrobacter, and Bacillus, were highly efficient. Six high-efficiency strains were shown to increase the biomass of pak choi (Brassica chinensis L.) and reduce the content of Cd in different pak choi tissues. This study provides candidate bacterial species for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil in Xinxiang City and provides references for the bacterial community and its function in heavy metal-contaminated soil.

Bioaccumulation of Zinc and Cadmium by two aquatic plants: Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms and Pistia stratiotes L. under nursery conditions

Bioaccumulation of Zinc and Cadmium by two aquatic plants: Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms and Pistia stratiotes L. under nursery conditions

HISTOPATHOLOGYANDLEVELOF BIOACCUMULATION OFSOME HEAVY METALS IN FISH, CARASOBARBUSLUTEUS AND CYPRINUSCARPIOTISSUES CAUGHTFROM TIGRIS RIVER, BAGHDAD

This study was undertaken to detect the histopathology and level of bioaccumulation of lead and cadmium in water and in some freshwater fish (Carasobarbus luteus and Cyprinus carpio) tissues caught from Tigers River. A total of 100 water samples and 100 fish specimens (kidney, gills, liver and muscle) were collected from three sites of Tigris River. These samples were used to detect Pb and Cd via Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry.Results exhibited high concentrations of Pb and Cd in water samples (>0.03 for both metals) and insome organs of the selected fish. It was observed that the levels of Pb and Cd accumulated in most organs (kidneys being most influenced) followed by gills, livers and muscles at three sites. The levels of these heavy metals were much above the maximum acceptable limit recommended by FAO and WHO. Histopathology was also conducted where heavy damages were noticed in both livers and gills in both fish species. The current study present data about increasing pollution in the Tigris River and it approves that it is having strong impact on fish health and on human beings.

Tuning of the Amount of Se in Rice (Oryza sativa) Grain by Varying the Nature of the Irrigation Method: Development of an ICP-MS Analytical Protocol, Validation and Application to 26 Different Rice Genotypes.

The amount of specific trace elements like selenium (Se) may be of health concern for humans if contained in too high (or low) quantities in staple foods like rice. Among the attempts aimed to optimize the Se concentration in rice, only few studies have been focused on the use of irrigation methods other than continuous flooding. Since intermittent irriguous methods, like sprinkler and saturation, have found to be effective in modifying the bioaccumulation of arsenic and cadmium in rice kernels, the main goal of this study is to measure the amount of the total Se contained in grains of 26 rice genotypes cultivated for two consecutive agrarian vintages in the same open field and with the same water, but differently irrigated with continuous flooding, sprinkler or saturation. To do this, an original and validated ICP-MS method has been developed. The validation parameters accounted for a high sensitivity and accuracy. Sprinkler irrigation is able to reduce in the average of 90% the amount of total Se in kernels in comparison to values measured in rice irrigated with continuous flooding. In conclusion, different irrigation techniques and rice genotypes seem to be valuable tools in order to allow in the future the customized modulation of the Se concentration in rice grain according to the needs of the various populations.

Bioaccumulation and Toxicity of Cadmium, Copper, Nickel, and Zinc and Their Mixtures to Aquatic Insect Communities.

We describe 2 artificial stream experiments that exposed aquatic insect communities to zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and cadmium (year 2014) and to Zn, Cu, and nickel (year 2015). The testing strategy was to concurrently expose insect communities to single metals and mixtures. Single‐metal tests were repeated to evaluate the reproducibility of the methods and year‐to‐year variability. Metals were strongly accumulated in sediments, periphyton, and insect (caddisfly) tissues, with the highest concentrations occurring in periphyton. Sensitive mayflies declined in metal treatments, and effect concentrations could be predicted effectively from metal concentrations in either periphyton or water. Most responses were similar in the replicated tests, but median effect concentration values for the mayfly Rhithrogena sp. varied 20‐fold between the tests, emphasizing the difficulty comparing sensitivities across studies and the value of repeated testing. Relative to the single‐metal responses, the toxicity of the mixtures was either approximately additive or less than additive when calculated as the product of individual responses (response addition). However, even less‐than‐additive relative responses were sometimes greater than responses to similar concentrations tested singly. The ternary mixtures resulted in mayfly declines at concentrations that caused no declines in the concurrent single‐metal tests. When updating species‐sensitivity distributions (SSDs) with these results, the mayfly responses were among the most sensitive 10th percentile of available data for all 4 metals, refuting older literature placing mayflies in the insensitive portion of metal SSDs. Testing translocated aquatic insect communities in 30‐d artificial streams is an efficient approach to generate multiple species effect values under quasi‐natural conditions that are relevant to natural streams. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:812–833. Published 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work, and as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.

A dynamic model of cadmium bioaccumulation in Lamellidens marginalis, an edible shellfish in India

Mussels, as food is widely accepted by people around the world as it possesses good nutritive value. Along with the local fishes, a gradual increase in the market demand of the Lamellidens marginalis is observed in the eastern part of India. These mussels are collected from reservoirs by the local people for their daily requirements and usual business. The reservoirs receive the wastewater or sewage from the nearby tanneries and households. Consequently, people are prone to a high risk of cadmium pollution through the consumption of mussels. Thus, the study of the bioaccumulation of cadmium in the organs of mussel is felt be need of the hour.A dynamic model was constructed to observe the daily accumulation of cadmium in the different organs of mussel. The model was constructed in the STELLA 6.0 software, and a sensitivity analysis was performed followed by calibration and validation.The scenario analysis revealed that the bioaccumulation of cadmium in the gills was sensitive to the input rate of cadmium to the system. The retention of cadmium in the alimentary canal and the kidney was dependent on the excretion rate of mussels. Cadmium deposition in the muscles and hepatopancreas was strongly regulated by the transfer rate of cadmium from the alimentary canal and the depuration rate respectively. However, the cadmium bioaccumulation in the foot was dependent on the surface area of foot. The sensitivity analysis showed that the input rate of cadmium into the system was the system sensitive parameter. If the cadmium is checked at the entry point of the reservoir, then the mussels could be easily harvested by the local people, and there would be less risk of cadmium pollution to the human.

Comparative study on the bioaccumulation of lead, cadmium and nickel and their toxic effects on the growth and enzyme defence strategies of a heavy metal accumulator, Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle.

The current hydroponic experiment investigated differences in the uptake, physiological response and defence mechanisms of Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle in response to three representative toxic heavy metals. The results revealed the following: as an excellent heavy metal accumulator, H. verticillata showed an accumulation pattern of Ni > Cd > Pb within experimental scope. Fourteen days (Ni and Cd) and 21days (Pb) were the time thresholds under the same heavy metal concentration toxicity, while 33.06μM (Ni) and 40μM (Cd and Pb) were the concentration thresholds under the same 21-day duration treatment, to accumulate the most amount of metals. Hence, Pb might be accumulated more if it expands the experimental duration and concentration, for it continuously increases throughout the experimental period. Reasons for these uptake differences are that plant physiological response, tolerance and resistance vary under different heavy metal stress. First, the biomass and protein content of H. verticillata were both the highest under Pb stress, indicating the plant largest tolerance to Pb stress. Second, the tolerance thresholds of three antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and POD) were the highest under Pb stress. Third, the three antioxidant enzymes and two other related resistance-causing enzymes (PPO and PAL) revealed that plant resistance was strongest at low Cd concentrations (0-20μM) and at high Pb stress levels (40μM). Furthermore, CAT is the most important antioxidant enzyme to combat three metal stresses (average relevance: CAT(0.89) > POD(0.48) > SOD(0.42)), while PAL is more important than PPO (average relevance: PAL (0.77) > PPO(0.72)). In conclusion, Pb-polluted water is best treated with H. verticillata because of the latter's high uptake potential and strong defence capacity. These results provide an accurate, efficient and economical reference for phytoremediation. Graphical abstract.

Spatial Distribution and Bio-accumulation of Cadmium and Lead in Soil, Rice and Vegetables in Typical Pollution Areas, China

The adverse effects of Cd and Pb on human health have been widely reported. While, there were several typical pollution areas in China which has not been investigated comprehensively and deeply. In this study, 475 soil and 472 plant samples from these pollution areas were analyzed for Cd and Pb with ICP-MS. Here, the pollution levels of different areas were analyzed and compared; the spatial distributions in soil, rice and cabbage samples were illustrated in map; and the relationships of Cd and Pb in soil and rice, soil and cabbage were also discussed. The results showed that Cd pollution still existed in some south, central-south and south-east zones except other three zones located in suburb of Tianjin, north-east and north China which might be explained by the higher background values, soil acidity, Karst landscape and metallurgy industry. Comparatively, the Pb concentrations showed lower over-standard rate. Moreover, the spatial distribution of Cd and Pb in rice and cabbage showed similar trends with those of soil samples. Particularly, the average Cd and Pb concentrations in lettuces were much higher than those in other plants. Cd and Pb concentrations in rice and cabbage showed low linear dependence with the concentrations in soil. The results in this study added basic environmental data and would be helpful to future soil remediation of these areas.

Tolerance and bioaccumulation of cadmium and lead by endophytic fungi

Global modernization, industrialization and urbanization have resulted in increased contamination of our environment by heavy metals. A long persistence of heavy metals in nature has lead to the development of metal resistant microbial strain. Microorganisms play a significant role in bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated soil. In this study, endophytic fungal isolates (EN1 and EN2) isolated from root of Amaranthus spinosus collected from contaminated site of Bhanpur, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh have been studied for their tolerance and capacities to uptake heavy metals like cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). Among the two fungi, EN1 was found to have maximum tolerance for both Cd and Pb based on their growth on heavy metal supplemented potato dextrose agar medium. It also revealed that the maximum uptake of Pb and Cd was 85.7% and 82.6%, respectively at increasing concentration (0-20 ppm). Fungal isolate EN1 was identified to be Penicillum sp. based on morphological and molecular characteristics. This study indicated the potential of these endophytic fungi for bioaccumulation of higher concentration of Cd and Pb from contaminated site which make them potential candidate for bioremediation. Finally, the result indicated that Penicillium sp. could be a prospective candidate to increase the phytoremediation efficiency of plant and play an important role in the decontamination of polluted soil.