Chemical Composition Of Roots Research Articles

Role of cover crop roots in soil organic carbon accrual—A review

AbstractAppropriate cover crop (CC) management is an important tool for the improvement of soil carbon stock; however, the relationships between carbon accumulation and CC root traits remain unclear. A literature review was performed to identify the extent and focus of recent research and to answer questions about the role of root traits of CCs in soil C accumulation with regard to species selection, mixture composition and agronomic management. The findings based on the analysis of 69 publications show that a range of root traits such as root biomass, architecture, depth of rooting, root chemical composition, as well as quantity and quality of rhizodeposition, can contribute to soil structure formation and C accumulation. These traits are usually species specific, and it seems that appropriate species combinations in the mixtures can offer the highest potential for optimization of C stock across various environments. However, there has been twice as much recent research on roots of CC monocultures than on mixtures, with little attention paid to agronomic aspects such as plant spatial arrangement or soil tillage in relation to CC root development. Considerations of real management under field conditions could be beneficial in providing greater accuracy of estimation of the contribution of CCs in increasing the SOC stock in croplands.

A Qualitative Analysis of Cultured Adventitious Ginseng Root's Chemical Composition and Immunomodulatory Effects.

The cultivation of ginseng in fields is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Thus, culturing adventitious ginseng root in vitro constitutes an effective approach to accumulating ginsenosides. In this study, we employed UPLC-QTOF-MS to analyze the composition of the cultured adventitious root (cAR) of ginseng, identifying 60 chemical ingredients. We also investigated the immunomodulatory effect of cAR extract using various mouse models. The results demonstrated that the cAR extract showed significant activity in enhancing the immune response in mice. The mechanism underlying the immunomodulatory effect of cAR was analyzed through network pharmacology analysis, revealing potential 'key protein targets', namely TNF, AKT1, IL-6, VEGFA, and IL-1β, affected by potential 'key components', namely the ginsenosides PPT, F1, Rh2, CK, and 20(S)-Rg3. The signaling pathways PI3K-Akt, AGE-RAGE, and MAPK may play a vital role in this process.

Soil mechanical reinforcement by the fibrous roots of selected rangeland plants using a large soil-root shear apparatus

Soil reinforcement by fibrous roots of rangeland plants is essential for soil conservation. This study was done to: i) determine the effect of two genotypes 75B and 75C of Festuca arundinacea, Bromus inermis, and Bromus tomentellus on soil reinforcement at saturated/unsaturated conditions, and ii) explore the relationships between soil shear strength, and root area ratio (RAR) determined by image analysis and root chemical composition and mechanical properties in a sandy clay loam soil. Two genotypes of F. arundinacea were chosen based on their different morphological/physiological responses to environmental stresses. Rooted soils were sheared at three depths, 10, 25, and 40 cm. Peak shear strength and shear displacement-at-failure in the rooted soils were about four times greater than in the non-planted ones. B. inermis (with highest numbers of stretched roots) showed the highest shear strength (i.e., 35.7 kPa), and the roots of B. tomentellus were as effective as F. arundinacea. However, their effects on shear displacement-at-failure were significantly lower. Highest and lowest shear displacements were observed in the rooted soils of F. arundinacea and B. tomentellus, respectively. Greatest soil reinforcement was observed in the shallow soil (i.e., depth 10 cm). Soil reinforcement and the intercept and slope of shear strength vs. RAR were greater in the unsaturated soil (i.e., matric potential –10 kPa), indicating higher mobilization of root strength in soil reinforcement and lower root slippage. Shear strength differences of rooted soil were better noticeable in unsaturated condition. More than fivefold decrease in shear strength was observed from unsaturated to saturated state in control, but it was in the range of 1.4–1.7 for planted soils. This revealed that the reinforcing effects of roots moderated the role of soil water status in mechanical strength. Little changes in the slopes of shear strength vs. RAR relations for F. arundinacea 75C and B. inermis imply that they are effective in soil reinforcement irrespective of water status. However, the slope of relations for F. arundinacea 75B and B. tomentellus considerably increased from saturated to unsaturated state, showing that the roots of these two plants effectively reinforced unsaturated soils. Highest soil reinforcement by the roots of B. inermis was partly related to their greater lignin and hemicellulose contents and tensile strain-at-failure. Highest and lowest values of shear displacement-at-failure were observed in F. arundinacea 75C and B. tomentellus, respectively; it means that the roots of F. arundinacea 75C with higher cellulose/lignin ratio, tensile strength, and strain-at-failure stretched greater under shear.

Exploring the Potential of Portable Spectroscopic Techniques for the Biochemical Characterization of Roots in Shallow Landslides

In the present work, Raman, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and elemental Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) spectroscopic techniques were used for the assessment of the influence of plant root composition towards shallow landslide occurrence. For this purpose, analyses were directly carried out on root samples collected from chestnut forests of the Garfagnana basin (northern Apennines, Italy) in different areas devoid and affected by shallow landslides due to frequent heavy rain events. Results have highlighted a correlation between the biochemical constituents of wooden roots and the sampling areas. In particular, different content of lignin/cellulose, as well as minerals nutrients, have been detected in roots collected where shallow landslides occurred, with respect to more stable areas. The results achieved are in line with the scientific literature which has demonstrated the link between the chemical composition of roots with their mechanical properties and, in particular, tensile strength and cohesion. Finally, portable spectroscopic instrumentations were employed without the need for either any sample preparation for Raman and LIBS spectroscopy or minimal preparation for FTIR spectroscopy. This novel and fast approach has allowed achieving information on the content of the major constituents of the root cell, such as cellulose and lignin, as well as their mineral nutrients. This approach could be reasonably included among the vegetation protection actions towards instability, as well as for the evaluation of shallow landslide susceptibility, combining geological, vegetational and biochemical parameters with sustainability.

Ferula tadshikorum Pimenov - introduction, chemical composition and use in folk medicine

Background: This study determined the results of the introduction of the Ferula tadshikorum, and comparatively studied the content of proteins and polysaccharides in leaves and roots in three age individuals. Methods: The work used phenological, protein and polysaccharide chemical analyses, as well as a survey on the use of Ferula tadshikorum among local residents of Surkhandarya region of Uzbekistan. Results: Under the conditions of introduction, phenological observations of the growth and development of Ferula tadshikorum were carried out. Based on 4-year experiments, we concluded that, in contrast to the natural conditions, in Tashkent Botanical Garden a shortening of the duration of stages in juvenile and immature individuals, as well as an increase in the number of virginal individuals, is observed in ontogenesis. For the first time, the chemical composition of roots and leaves was studied in three individuals of different ages: 4-year-old introducents of the virginal stage of development, and natural individuals of medium, mature virginal age. The analysis for the content of protein and protein N found that the average protein content in the roots of the Ferula tadshikorum plant ranged from 2.3% to 7.12%, while in the leaves it ranged from 10.23% to 25.56%. The roots and leaves of mature virginal individuals of Ferula tadshikorum had the greatest nutritional value in terms of total protein content. For the first time, the content of various groups of polysaccharides in the roots and leaves of 3 virginal samples of Ferula tadshikorum was elucidated, and alcohol-soluble sugars, water-soluble polysaccharides, pectin substances and hemicellulose were isolated. According to the monosaccharide composition, the roots contained especially to glucogalactaarabans, the leaves arabinogalactans. Some recipes of folk medicine on the use of leaves and resin for the treatment of certain human diseases are given. Conclusion: For the medicinal plant Ferula tadshikorum, new prospects are opening up for the use in both folk medicine and official medicine. In the future, more in-depth phytochemical studies are needed to identify the therapeutic potential of the Ferula tadshikorum. Keywords. chemical analysis, ethnobotany, Ferula tadshikorum, introduction, leaves, root, polysaccharides, proteins.

Evaluation of chemical composition of roots of three sugar beets varieties growing under different water deficit and harvesting dates in Upper Egypt

Field experiments were carried out at Shandaweel Agricultural Research Station, Sohag, Egypt to study the effects of deficit irrigation and harvesting date chemical composition of three sugar beet varieties. A split block design with three replications was used. Main blokes were assigned to three irrigation water regimes (100%, 85%, and 70% of water requirement). The sub blot was occupied by three harvesting dates (180, 195 and 210 days). Sub- sub plots comprised three sugar beet varieties namely (RAVEL, SV1841and SA1686). Results indicated that reducing water supply reduced alpha - amino N present in the second season, Na present in the second season, and K present and sugar lost to molasses, but increased sucrose present, extractable present, QZ present, purity present, extractability present. Increasing harvesting date increased K present, sucrose present, extractable present, QZ present, purity present, extractability present but reduced alpha - amino N present, Na present and sugar lost to molasses in the second season. Sucrose present, extractable present, QZ present purity present and extractability present of RAVEL and SA1686 varieties were almost comparable but higher than those of SV1841 variety.

Biomechanical properties of the growing and decaying roots of Cynodon dactylon

Root growth and decay may affect root reinforcement to soil erosion and stability. We measured the effects of growth and decay on the tensile strength of Cynodon dactylon roots considering different causes of mortality common to agricultural land conversion (i.e. burning and herbicide application). We applied three treatments to C. dactylon grass: (i) growth duration (60, 120 and 180 days), (ii) decay duration after burning (30, 60, 120, 180 and 360 days) and (iii) decay duration after herbicide application (15, 30 and 60 days). The diameter, tensile strength and cellulose and lignin contents of root samples (n = 303) in different treatments were measured. Tensile strength–diameter relations followed a negative power law regardless of treatment (R2 > 0.6). The increase in median tensile strength values due to grass growth was consistent with the increase in cellulose and lignin contents. Root decay by herbicide application caused significantly greater and faster reduction in tensile strength than burning treatment because of the faster reduction of cellulose and lignin contents. Root decay due to different causes of plant mortality can increase susceptibility to erosion and slope instability during the conversion of agricultural land. Measures on slope safety and erosion are vital when using herbicides for weed clearance in farmlands due to the faster deterioration of root chemical composition and root tensile strength (compared with burning).

Revealing compositional attributes of Glossostemon bruguieri Desf. root geographic origin and roasting impact via chemometric modeling of SPME-GC-MS and NMR metabolite profiles

Glossostemon bruguieri Desf. (Moghat, Sterculiaceae), is a shrub well-known for its thick long-tapering dark colored roots, grown in the Middle East and North Africa. Studies on Glossostemon have focused on its nutritive value and health benefits attributed to its phenolic content with no extensive analysis of secondary metabolome. NMR metabolite fingerprinting of 12 G. bruguieri root specimens of different origins using 1D and 2D experiments identified 12 major primary and secondary metabolites. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) of NMR aromatic regions was competent in discriminating between roots origin based on moghatin and pinoresinol levels. Quantification of 1H NMR spectra revealed enrichment of Siwa specimens in sugars i.e., sucrose and inositol (17.89 and 12.06 μg/mg, respectively), as well as some secondary metabolites viz. moghatin, pinoresinol, takakin and fraxetin (7.73, 4.55, 3.81 and 3.03 μg/mg, respectively), posing it for future incorporation in nutraceuticals. However, much less is known regarding aroma and roasting impact on root chemical composition. Volatile profiles of 15 unroasted and roasted specimens were analyzed using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to mass spectrometry. 100 Volatile constituents were identified dominated by aldehydes, ethers and mono- and sesquiterpenes, whereas esters were abundant in roasted roots. OPLS-DA identified 2-ethyl-6-methylpyrazine and 5-methyl-2-furfural as roasting descriptors.

Green Seaweed Extract (Ulva Lactuca) as a Model for Bio Stimulating and Reducing of Chemical Fertilization on the Growth and Yield of Sweet Potato Plants.

In this research, during the 2016 and 2017 summer seasons, two field experiments were performed at the Agricultural Experimental Station Farm (Abies region), Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University. The study investigated the possibility of lowering NPK levels to 75%, 50% and 25% below the recommended level for NPK fertilization; in addition to the recommended fertilizer level of NPK 100% as a control treatment, also, the application of a foliar spray of seaweed extract (SWC) at 0, 5, 10, and 15% concentrations, and their interaction between NPK fertilizer levels with various seaweed extract concentrations (SWC), on vegetative growth, yield and its components as well as on some chemical compositions characteristics of tuber roots. The results showed that the gradual increase in NPK fertilizer levels was accompanied by significant increases in the growth, yield and its components of sweet potato, as well as in the chemical composition of roots. In both growing seasons, the spraying of sweet potato with SWC at a concentration of 15 % resulted in a positive response to all characteristics. The application of NPK mineral fertilizer at 75% of the recommended, interacted with SWC at the concentration of 15%, was generally the most efficient treatment combination that gave the best sweet potato growth, yield and tuber root chemical compositions. In this respect, by using a foliar spray of 15 % SWC , the NPK fertilization can be decreased by 25 % without sacrificing the output value of the sweet potato concerning the amount and quality.

Chemical composition of root and stem bark essential oils from Ivorian Isolona dewevrei: structural elucidation of a new natural germacrone

The root and stem bark essential oils from Isolona dewevrei (Annonaceae), growing wild in Côte d’Ivoire, were investigated for the first time, using a combination of chromatographic [CC, GC(RI)] and spectroscopic [MS, 13C-NMR] techniques. A new natural germacrone was isolated by repetitive column chromatography carried out on a stem bark oil sample. Its structure was elucidated as germacra-1(10),4(15),5-trien-8-one by 1 D, 2 D-NMR and QTOF-MS. Ninety-six components accounting for 95.5 ± 0.8% and 95.8 ± 1.0%, respectively, for the root and stem bark essential oil samples were identified. The major compounds of root oil were cyperene (19.7 ± 1.6%) and camphene (10.1 ± 2.1%), followed by 5-isopentenylindole (6.4 ± 2.4%), β-elemene (3.9 ± 0.3%), (Z)-α-bisabolene (3.2 ± 1.2%) and γ-gurjunene (3.2 ± 0.3%). The stem bark oil was also dominated by cyperene (29.2 ± 4.1%), followed by β-elemene (6.2 ± 1.1%), (Z)-α-bisabolene (3.8 ± 1.0%), (E)-β-caryophyllene (3.3 ± 0.7%) and α-copaene (2.8 ± 1.1%).

Maize root and shoot litter quality controls short-term CO<sub>2</sub> and N<sub>2</sub>O emissions and bacterial community structure of arable soil

Abstract. Chemical composition of root and shoot litter controls decomposition and, subsequently, C availability for biological nitrogen transformation processes in soils. While aboveground plant residues have been proven to increase N2O emissions, studies on root litter effects are scarce. This study aimed (1) to evaluate how fresh maize root litter affects N2O emissions compared to fresh maize shoot litter, (2) to assess whether N2O emissions are related to the interaction of C and N mineralization from soil and litter, and (3) to analyze changes in soil microbial community structures related to litter input and N2O emissions. To obtain root and shoot litter, maize plants (Zea mays L.) were cultivated with two N fertilizer levels in a greenhouse and harvested. A two-factorial 22 d laboratory incubation experiment was set up with soil from both N levels (N1, N2) and three litter addition treatments (control, root, root + shoot). We measured CO2 and N2O fluxes, analyzed soil mineral N and water-extractable organic C (WEOC) concentrations, and determined quality parameters of maize litter. Bacterial community structures were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Maize litter quality controlled NO3- and WEOC availability and decomposition-related CO2 emissions. Emissions induced by maize root litter remained low, while high bioavailability of maize shoot litter strongly increased CO2 and N2O emissions when both root and shoot litter were added. We identified a strong positive correlation between cumulative CO2 and N2O emissions, supporting our hypothesis that litter quality affects denitrification by creating plant-litter-associated anaerobic microsites. The interdependency of C and N availability was validated by analyses of regression. Moreover, there was a strong positive interaction between soil NO3- and WEOC concentration resulting in much higher N2O emissions, when both NO3- and WEOC were available. A significant correlation was observed between total CO2 and N2O emissions, the soil bacterial community composition, and the litter level, showing a clear separation of root + shoot samples of all remaining samples. Bacterial diversity decreased with higher N level and higher input of easily available C. Altogether, changes in bacterial community structure reflected degradability of maize litter with easily degradable C from maize shoot litter favoring fast-growing C-cycling and N-reducing bacteria of the phyla Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. In conclusion, litter quality is a major driver of N2O and CO2 emissions from crop residues, especially when soil mineral N is limited.

Combined biofortification of carrot with iodine and selenium

The aim of a three-year study was to assess the effect of combined biofortification with I and Se in carrot. Four cultivars ('Askona' F1, 'Samba' F1, 'Kazan' F1 and 'White Satin') were grown in soil fertilized with KI (4 kg I ha−1) and Na2SeO4 (0.25 kg Se ha−1). The I + Se fertilization did not affect yield but the plants of all cultivars accumulated both elements in leaves and roots. On average, the I and Se contents in roots increased 7.7-times for I and 4.9-times for Se as well as the average I:Se molar ratio was 0.28:1. The contents of both elements in roots remained well below the hazard threshold thus the intake of 100 g of biofortified carrot would substantially cover the RDA for I and Se. The changes in chemical composition of roots (nitrates, phenolic compounds, sugars, carotenoids, macro-, microelements and cadmium) were rather year-dependent than affected by the applied I + Se fertilization.

Identification of structurally diverse alkaloids in Talguenea quinquinervia (gill. Et hook) by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectroscopy and insecticidal activity.

Talguenea quinquinervia has been used in folk medicine and to dye wool, and the main constituents are alkaloids and triterpenes. Identification of these type of compounds in this specie is a necessary step to understand the biological properties. To evaluate the relationship between the chemical composition of root from T. quinquinervia and its insecticidal properties using liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Alkaloids were extracted using Soxhlet extraction with methanol. Total extract was partitioned at pH2 and 12 to enrich alkaloid constituents and to remove interferences. The separation of alkaloids in the Talguenea extract was performed on a C18 column using gradient elution and their tandem mass spectra were obtained by quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS/MS) to perform accurate mass measurements of fragment ions for the alkaloid constituents. Several types of alkaloids were separated and identified by LC-ESI-MS/MS. The structural assignment of individual alkaloids was performed based on convergence of MS/MS spectral data, pH partitioning behaviour, LC retention behaviour, and accurate mass measurements. The pH partition of the extract provided structural information about unknown alkaloids extracted from T. quinquinervia. A total of 20 compounds were identified and tentatively characterised, and of these 15 alkaloids were reported for the first time in the investigated T. quinquinervia. The chemical profiling of alkaloids in T. quinquinervia with different origins was performed for the first time and provided diagnostic ions for diverse alkaloids in T. quinquinervia. Insecticidal activity observed can be explain by the presence of alkaloid and pentacyclic triterpenes on the fractions assayed.

Root Decomposition of Grazed Signalgrass in Response to Stocking and Nitrogen Fertilization Rates

Belowground root biomass can respond differently to grazing management affecting grass sward quality and longevity. Linking grazing management with belowground responses is scarce in warm‐climate grassland literature. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of different stocking rates (SRs) and N fertilization on root chemical composition and decomposition in signalgrass pastures [Urochloa decumbens (Stapf.) R. D. Webster]. The experiment consisted of a factorial arrangement of three SRs (2.0, 3.9, and 5.8 animal units [AU] ha−1; 1 AU = 450 kg live weight) and three N fertilization rates (0, 150, and 300 kg N ha−1 yr−1). Response variables included root remaining biomass and N, root N and lignin concentrations, root C/N ratio, and root lignin/N ratio. Response variables were not affected by SR and N fertilization, except for remaining root biomass. All response variables were affected by incubation time. Root decomposition fitted a single exponential decay model. Remaining biomass was 30% of initial biomass (k = 0.0022 g g−1 d−1) after 512 d. Remaining N was 31% of initial N (k = 0.0007 g g−1 d−1) at the end of the incubation. Remaining root biomass was reduced with increasing N levels for 3.9 AU ha−1, but not for 2.0 and 5.8 AU ha−1. Root decomposition released ∼65 kg N ha−1 during 512 d trough mineralization. Grassland ecosystems have important C stock in their belowground plant biomass, which is relevant for the global C cycle. Therefore, practices that maintain or increase belowground C stocks should be preferred.

Comparison of Tongkat Ali Root Chemical Composition Extracted by Soxhlet, Conventional Steam and Microwave Assisted Extraction Techniques

Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali) roots are used in traditional medicines for its wide range of biological effects. The process of extracting out this essential oil from the plant requires a delicate and efficient method. In this research the extract of the essential oil of Eurycoma longifolia’s root using Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE), Soxhlet Extraction and Conventional Steam Extraction (CSE) methods, is characterized to identify the components of essential oil extracted and then to compare the yield percentage and components of the extracts from both methods. The extract obtained was characterized using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) by comparing the compositions of components present in commercial Tongkat Ali oil stored in the GC-MS library. The findings showed that the MAE gives a maximum yield percentage of 5% with six chemical components extracted in 20 min while SE and CSE gives high yield percentage of 28.3% in 3 h and 2.5 % in 6 h respectively with only three chemical components extracted. Therefore, MAE is the optimum method for extracting essential oil from Tongkat Ali with a high quality.

Impact of non-chemical weed control methods on the soil and sugar beet root chemical composition

Impact of non-chemical weed control methods on the soil and sugar beet root chemical composition

The effect of Bahiagrass roots on soil erosion resistance of Aquults in subtropical China

Herbaceous species, especially their roots, are believed to have an important role in enhancing soil strength and protecting soil against erosion. This study evaluated the effects of root distribution characteristics on soil shear resistance and soil detachment rates, correlations among root mechanical properties, root chemical composition and root parameters, and whether the Wu-Waldron model can accurately estimate soil reinforcement by roots. Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) was planted in planter boxes by overlapping four rectangle frames (0.4×0.1×0.1m). A series of laboratory tests of direct shear strength and soil detachment were conducted on two soils that were derived from granite and shale with different soil depths and sowing densities. The results indicated that soil aggregate stability was positively correlated with root characteristics. Over 70% of the total measured root parameters were distributed in the upper 20cm of the soil, and they decreased with increasing soil depth and decreasing sowing density. The tensile properties (root tensile strength and root tensile force) were significantly correlated with root diameter. The contents of root main chemical compositions were significantly correlated with root diameter while hemicellulose showed no obvious trend with root diameter (P=0.12). Root tensile strength and root tensile force were also significantly correlated with the contents of these four compositions, except hemicellulose. The relative soil detachment demonstrated a significant negative correlation with root parameters with sowing densities from 5 to 30gm−2, and it remained at a relatively low value when the sowing density was >20gm−2. The soil detachment rate, erodibility factor and critical flow shear stress were well correlated with the root area ratio, sowing density, and soil depth. The Wu-Waldron model was found to be inappropriate for these soils, as it overestimated additional soil shear strength due to roots by 152–366% in the upper 20cm, and 11–48% in deeper soil layers. This study demonstrated that the root area ratio was a more suitable root characteristic parameter that contributes to soil reinforcement.

Comparison of Chemical Composition of Root and Rhizosphere Soil Extracts of Tagetes patula L.: GC-MS Analysis

Comparison of Chemical Composition of Root and Rhizosphere Soil Extracts of Tagetes patula L.: GC-MS Analysis

A taxonomy of fronto-parietal P3-like positivities based on information theoretic models of cognitive control

Phyto-sequestration of heavy metals originating from urban runoff entering into wetland systems is one of the ways to mitigate the pollution. Due to the chemical environment of runoff wetlands, the plants and especially their roots are often stressed. While growing on contaminated environment, wetland plants undergo a number of physio-chemical changes in their roots, stems and leaves in the form of ecological adaptations. In this study, the three category samples of the macrophyte Cyperus vaginatus R.Br. growing in a wetland, near to the wetland (<20 m) and far from the wetland (>100 m) were collected to determine heavy metals and organic matter status in roots. This study revealed hyperaccumulation of metals in plants growing in the wetland compared to nearby and far from the wetland. Statistical analysis showed metals accumulating pattern to be distinct for each sampling category based on location. The UV spectra of C. vaginatus root produced a distinct shoulder peak at 324 nm whereas the plants growing far from the wetland showed a spectroscopic shoulder at 267 nm. The plant root growing near to wetland showed both shoulders at 324 nm and 267 nm but with reduced peak height. Statistical analysis of UV spectra also followed location specificity pattern. UV spectral result was further validated by FTIR analysis where plants growing in wetland and near to wetland possessed spectra similar to UV spectral results. This observation leads us to conclude that C. vaginatus R.Br. exhibited changes in root chemical composition to tolerate metal toxicity and perform phytoaccumulation.

Impact of elemental uptake in the root chemistry of wetland plants

ABSTRACTPlants play a key role in the accumulation of metals in contaminated environment. Ephemeral plants, such as cyperus vaginatus, from the family Cyperaceae have been used in constructed wetlands to alter the biogeochemistry of waterlogged soils. High elemental content in wetlands often induces chemical changes in the root, stem and leaf of wetland plants. Elemental uptake and possible chemical changes in the roots of Cyperus vaginatus was investigated and compared with plants grown away from the wetland. Among the 9 heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) and metalloid (As) measured, with the exception of Mn, all metals had higher content in the plant roots grown within the wetland. This was followed by plants grown near to the wetland that receive stormwater occasionally and then plants grown far from the wetland. The 3-D fluorescence spectra record showed notable differences in the chemical composition of roots grown in the three locations. The spectra combined with parallel factor analysis showed three dominant fluorescence components. Comparison of the fluorescence signatures showed a continuum of spectral properties constrained by the degree of metal contamination.