Cu Concentrations In Roots Research Articles

Effects of exogenous nitric oxide on photosynthesis, antioxidative ability, and mineral element contents of perennial ryegrass under copper stress

A hydroponics experiment was conducted to test the effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a donor of NO) supplied with different concentrations on copper (Cu) toxicity in ryegrass seedlings (Lolium perenne L.). Excess Cu (200 µM) reduced chlorophyll content, resulting a decrease in photosynthesis. Cu stress induced the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2• −), leading to malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. Furthermore, activities of antioxidant enzymes in Cu-treated seedlings such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) were decreased. In addition, Cu stress inhibited the uptake of K, Mg, Fe, and Zn and increased Ca content in roots. Moreover, in leaves of Cu-stressed seedlings, K, Fe, and Zn contents were decreased and the contents of Ca and Mg were not affected significantly. In Cu-treated seedlings, Cu concentration in roots was higher than in leaves. Addition of 50, 100, 200 µM SNP in Cu-mediated solutions increased chlorophyll content and photosynthesis, improved antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced Cu-induced oxidative damages, kept intracellular ion equilibrium under Cu stress, increased Cu concentration in roots and inhibited Cu accumulation in leaves. In particular, addition of 100 µM SNP had the best effect on promoting growth of ryegrass seedlings under Cu stress. However, the application of 400 µM SNP had no obvious alleviating effect on Cu toxicity in ryegrass seedlings.

Alleviation effects of magnesium on copper toxicity and accumulation in grapevine roots evaluated with biotic ligand models

Copper toxicity and accumulation in plants are affected by physicochemical characteristics of soil solutions such as the concentrations of coexistent cations (e.g., Ca(2+), Mg(2+), K(+), Na(+), and H(+)). The biotic ligand model (BLM) approach has been proposed to predict metal phyto-toxicity and -accumulation by taking into account the effects of coexistent cations, given the assumption of the partition equilibrium of metal ions between soil solution and solid phase. The alleviation effects of Mg on Cu toxicity and accumulation in grapevine roots were the main concerns in this study and were investigated by using a hydroponic experiment of grapevine cuttings. The BLM approach, which incorporated competition of Mg(2+) with Cu(2+) to occupy the biotic ligands on root surfaces, was developed to predict Cu rhizotoxicity and accumulation by grapevine roots. In the results, the effective activity of Cu, {Cu (2+)}, resulting in a 50 % reduction of root elongation (EA (50)), linearly increased with increments of Mg activity, {Mg (2+)}. In addition, the Cu concentration in root, Cu ( root ), was retarded by an increase of {Mg (2+)}. The linear model was significantly fitted to the relationship between {Cu (2+)}/Cu ( root ) and {Mg (2+)}. According to the concept of BLM, the present results revealed that the amelioration effects of Mg on Cu toxicity and accumulation in roots could arise from competition between Mg(2+) and Cu(2+) on the binding sites (i.e., the biotic ligands). Then, the developed Cu-BLMs incorporating the Mg(2+) competition effectiveness were validated provide accurate predictions of Cu toxicity and accumulation in grapevine roots. To our knowledge this is the first report of the successful development of BLMs for a woody plant. This BLM approach shows promise of being widely applicable for various terrestrial plants.

Effects of Municipal Sewage Sludge Doses on the Chlorophyll Contents and Heavy Metal Concentration of Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris var. saccharifera)

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to assess the suitability of sewage sludge amendment (SSA) in soil for Beta vulgaris var. saccharifera (sugar beet) by evaluating the heavy metal accumulation and physiological responses of plants grown at a 10%, 25%, and 50% sewage sludge amendment rate. The sewage sludge amendment was modified by the physicochemical properties of soil, thus increasing the availability of heavy metals in the soil and consequently increasing accumulation in plant parts. Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cu concentrations in roots were significantly higher in plants grown at 25% as compared to 50% SSA; however, Cr and Zn concentration was higher at 50% than 25% SSA. The concentrations of heavy metal showed a trend of Zn > Ni > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd in roots and Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Cd in leaves. The only instance in which the chlorophyll content did not increase after the sewage sludge treatments was 50%. There were approximately 1.12-fold differences between the control and 50% sewage sludge application for chlorophyll content. The sewage sludge amendment led to a significant increase in Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Ni concentrations of the soil. The heavy metal accumulation in the soil after the treatments did not exceed the limits for the land application of sewage sludge recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The increased concentration of heavy metals in the soil due to the sewage sludge amendment led to increases in heavy metal uptake and the leaf and root concentrations of Ni, Zn, Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Zn in plants as compared to those grown on unamended soil. More accumulation occurred in roots and leaves than in shoots for most of the heavy metals. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Pb were more than the permissible limits of national standards in the edible portion of sugar beet grown on different sewage sludge amendment ratios. The study concludes that the sewage sludge amendment in the soil for growing sugar beet may not be a good option due to risk of contamination of Cr, Pb, and Cd.

Physiological response of Cu and Cu mine tailing remediation of Paulownia fortunei (Seem) Hemsl

The physiological responses and Cu accumulation of Paulownia fortunei (Seem) Hemsl. were studied under 15.7-157 μmol L(-1) Cu treatments in liquid culture for 14 days; the impacts of Cu concentration in the seedlings were evaluated under Cu mine tailing culture with acetic acid and EDTA treatment for 60 days. Results showed that the concentrations of Chl-a, Chl-b and Carotenoids significantly increased (p < 0.05) at 15.7-78.7 μmol L(-1)Cu treatment and significantly decreased at 157 μmol L(-1) treatment after 14 days of Cu exposure. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) significantly increased as Cu levels were enhanced and the activities of both SOD and CAT under 157 μmol L(-1) Cu stress were 2.9 and 1.9 times higher than that of control, respectively. The concentrations of proline and soluble sugars in the leaves of P. fortunei significantly increased as the Cu concentrations were elevated. Cu concentrations in roots, stems and leaves of P. fortunei increased significantly as Cu levels increased and reached 1911, 101 and 93 μg g(-1) dry weights (DW) at 157 μmol L(-1) Cu treatment, respectively. The seedlings of P. fortunei cultivated in Cu tailing experienced unsuccessful growth and loss of leaves in all treatments due to poor nutrition of the Cu tailing. The dry weight of P. fortunei increased under all the treatments of acetic acid after 60 days exposure. However, dry weight significantly decreased under both levels of EDTA. The Cu concentrations increased significantly in roots and decreased in leaves when each was treated with both concentrations of acetic acid. The Cu concentrations in the roots, stems and leaves increased significantly, and the concentrations of Cu in the stems and leaves under the treatment of 2 μmol L(-1) EDTA reached 189.5 and 763.1 μg g(-1) DW, respectively. The result indicated that SOD, CAT, proline and soluble sugars played an important role in coping with the oxidative stress of copper. Acetic acid could promote growth and EDTA at the experimental levels, which could also enhance Cu absorption and translocation into the stems and leaves of P. fortune. Furthermore, acetic acid and EDTA could be rationally utilized in Cu-contaminated soil.

Effects of silicon on copper toxicity in Erica andevalensis Cabezudo and Rivera: a potential species to remediate contaminated soils

The influence of silicon on responses to copper excess was studied in plants of Erica andevalensis. Plantlets were grown in nutrient solutions containing two Cu (1 and 500 µM) and three Si concentrations (0, 0.5 and 1 mM). Plant growth, water content, and mineral nutrient concentration were determined. Plants grown with 500 µM Cu showed differences in growth and shoot water content depending on Si supply. The addition of 1 mM Si in high-Cu nutrient solutions significantly improved plant growth and reduced water loss preventing plant death related to Cu-excess. Silicon supply reduced significantly leaf Cu concentration (up to 32%) and increased Cu concentration in roots. Phytoliths isolated from leaves were analysed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Such phytoliths consisted in silica deposits associated with Cu and other elements (K, Ca, P). Improvement by Si of Cu tolerance in E. andevalensis was clearly related to the inhibition of Cu upward transport. The leaf phytoliths formed in Si-treated plants might have some contribution to tolerance by Cu immobilisation and inactivation.

Grafting Enhances Copper Tolerance of Cucumber Through Regulating Nutrient Uptake and Antioxidative System

An experiment was carried out to determine plant growth, mineral uptake, lipid peroxidation, antioxidative enzymes, and antioxidant of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Xintaimici) under copper stress, either ungrafted or grafted onto the rootstock (Cucurbita ficifolia). Excess Cu inhibited growth, photosynthesis, and pigment synthesis of grafted and ungrafted cucumber seedlings and significantly increased accumulation of Cu in roots besides reducing mineral uptake. Cu concentration in roots of grafted cucumber plants was significantly higher than that of ungrafted plants and obviously lower in leaves. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly increased in cucumber leaves under Cu stress and resulted in lipid peroxidation, and the levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation were greatly decreased by grafting. Activities of protective enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD; peroxidase, POD; catalase, CAT; ascorbate peroxidase, APX; dehydroascorbate reductase, DHAR; glutathione reductase, GR) and the contents of ascorbate and glutathione in leaves of grafted plants were significantly higher than those of ungrafted plants under Cu stress. Better performance of grafted cucumber plants were attributed to the higher ability of Cu accumulation in their roots, better nutrient status, and the effective scavenging system of ROS.

Cu fractions, mobility and bioavailability in soil-wheat system after Cu-enriched livestock manure applications

Fertilization of crops with livestock manure (LM) is a common waste disposal option, but repeated application of LM containing high concentrations of heavy metals such as Cu could lead to crop toxicity and environmental risk. To examine the Cu availability and uptake by wheat in a Mollisol affected by Cu-enriched LM, pot experiments were conducted. LM (376 mg kg −1 Cu originally) was spiked with different concentrations of Cu (0, 100, 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg kg −1 soil, added as CuSO 4) to simulate soil Cu contamination by LM application. The results indicated that Cu was predominately distributed in organic bound fraction, while the most drastic increase was found in reducible fraction. Acid-extractable fraction played a more important role than other fractions in controlling the mobility and bioavailability of Cu. DTPA-extractable Cu may overestimate the Cu bioavailability since DTPA solution could extract soluble and part of stable forms. The application of LM at 1% level significantly decline the Cu mobility, but that at 3% level exhibited the opposite effect. Although the quantities of Cu in wheat was very low compared with the accumulation in soil, Cu concentrations in roots increased evidently from 12 to 533 mg kg −1 and that in aerial parts were in a narrow range from 12.1 to 32.7 mg kg −1, indicating the more sensitivity of roots to the Cu toxicity. The Cu concentrations in grains after 3% manure application did not approach the threshold for Cu toxicity (<20 mg kg −1) even at higher Cu addition rates.

Effects of humic acids on phytoextraction of Cu and Cd from sediment by Elodea nuttallii

Growth and metal-accumulation of Elodea nuttallii exposed to Cu and Cd-contaminated sediment were examined and the effects of humic acids on phytoextraction of Cu and Cd were also investigated. The growth of plants were promoted with the increasing concentration of Cu in sediment, while inhibited by Cd during the 21 d exposure. The concentrations of Cu in roots and shoots of E. nuttallii ranged 25–99 mg kg −1 dry weight (DW) and 23–83 mg kg −1 DW under different concentration of Cu treatments in sediment at the end of exposure, and they were 0–6.5 mg kg −1 DW and 0–7.9 mg kg −1 DW for Cd, respectively. With addition of humic acids from 3.0 to 7.8 g kg −1 DW, the bioavailability of heavy metals in the sediment were reduced significantly, therefore, the accumulation of Cd was inhibited and the Cd concentrations in roots and shoots of plants decreased. However, as the result of release Cu from sediment into water column with addition of humic acids, and E. nuttallii could uptake Cu from water directly, the Cu concentrations in roots and shoots in plant increased 26–69% and 40–78%, respectively. In conclusion, E. nuttallii could be suitable for remedying Cu and Cd-contaminated sediment in situ as a pioneer species, but for phytoextraction of Cd, the application of humic acids should be careful.

Gene expression analysis of Populus deltoides roots subjected to copper stress

An analysis of the Populus root transcriptome was carried out in order to improve our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the response of trees to copper (Cu) stress. In a first stage, cuttings of nine Populus species were grown hydroponically and screened for differential phenotypical response to Cu. In a second stage, plants of the most Cu tolerant clone ( Populus deltoides) were exposed to 30 and 60 μM CuSO 4 for 12 and 24 h. RNA isolated from root tissues was analyzed with 4.6 k cDNA arrays in order to determine alterations in transcription. Copper exposures increased significantly Cu concentration in roots. A series of transcripts differentially accumulated in a general or a specific way under the different stress conditions. Most of the transcripts encode proteins related to defense against biotic stress, antioxidant mechanisms, metal homeostasis, and water flux control. Expression of several transcripts involved in signaling, such as MAP kinases, calcium and ethylene-related enzymes were also altered under Cu exposure. Our results suggest the Cu accumulation in roots and a general defensive response against oxidative stress.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonisation increases copper binding capacity of root cell walls of Oryza sativa L. and reduces copper uptake

There is evidence that colonisation by mycorrhizal fungi can protect host plants from toxic concentrations of heavy metals. The mechanism by which protection is provided by the fungus for any particular metal is poorly understood. Rice ( Oryza sativa L.) plants were inoculated with Glomus mosseae and grown for 4 weeks to ensure strong colonisation. The plants were then exposed to low to toxic concentrations of copper (Cu) and the uptake and distribution were examined. The effect of mycorrhizal colonisation on the cell wall composition and Cu binding capacity of roots was also investigated. Mycorrhizal plants showed moderate reductions in Cu concentrations in roots but large reductions in shoots. In roots, mycorrhizal plants accumulated more Cu in cell walls but much less in the symplasm compared to non-mycorrhizal plants. The differences in cell wall binding of Cu could be partly explained by changes in the composition of the cell wall. The mechanistic basis for the reduced Cu accumulation and the potential beneficial consequences of mycorrhizal associations on plant growth in Cu toxic soil are discussed.

Copper Tolerance and Accumulation of Elsholtzia splendens Nakai in a Pot Environment

ABSTRACT Elsholtzia splendens Naki has been identified as a copper (Cu) geobotanical indicator. In this study, the effects of Cu supply levels (control, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 mg kg1) on the growth and Cu accumulation in E. splendens were studied in one pot experiment. The results showed that no reduction in shoot height and dry weight was noted when the plants were grown at Cu supply levels up to 1000 mg kg−1 in soil. Slight stimulation on shoot growth was noted at Cu levels ≥ 100 mg kg−1. Copper concentration in shoots and roots increased with increasing Cu levels, and reached a maximum of 1751 and 9.45 mg kg−1 (DW) at 1200 mg Cu kg−1. The amount of Cu accumulated in the roots and shoots were 313 and 22 μ g plant−1 at external Cu levels of 1000 and 800 mg kg−1, respectively. The shoot/root Cu ratios ranged from 0.005 to 0.008 and more than 92% of the total Cu taken up by E. splendens was accumulated in roots. Furthermore, Cu concentrations in roots and shoots were significant and positively correlated with total soil Cu, water, ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), ammonium (NH4)-acetate, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) extractable Cu. These results indicate that E. splendens can considered as a Cu tolerant and accumulated plant, and root is the major part for accumulation of Cu in E. splendens.

Copper phytotoxicity affects root elongation and iron nutrition in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum durum L.)

This work investigated how copper (Cu) phytotoxicity affected iron (Fe) nutrition and root elongation in hydroponically grown durum wheat (Triticum turgidum durum L., cv Acalou) in order to establish the critical level of Cu concentration in roots above which significant Cu phytotoxicity occurs. This was assessed at two levels of Fe supply (2 and 100 μM). Severe symptoms of Cu phytotoxicity were observed at Cu2+ concentration above 1 μM, i.e. interveinal chlorosis symptoms and global root growth alteration. Total root Cu concentration of about 100, 150 and 250–300 mg kg−1 corresponded to 10%, 25% and 50% reduction in root elongation, respectively. Copper and Fe concentrations as well as amounts of Cu and Fe accumulated in shoots varied inversely which suggested an antagonism between Cu and Fe leading to Fe deficiency. In addition, the root-induced release of complexing compounds increased significantly with increasing Cu concentration in nutrient solution and was positively correlated with Cu uptake without significant difference between the two Fe treatments (high and low Fe supply). This work suggests that total root Cu concentration might be a simple, sensitive indicator of Cu rhizotoxicity. It also indicated that Cu phytotoxicity which may have resulted in Fe deficiency and significant increase in root-induced release of complexing compounds (presumably phytosiderophores) was independent of the level of Fe supply provided that the threshold values of phytotoxicity were based on the free Cu-ion concentration.

Role of EDTA in alleviating lead toxicity in accumulator species of Sedum alfredii H.

The effects of Pb chelater (EDTA–Pb) and ionic Pb (Pb(NO 3) 2) on root cell death, Pb accumulation, changes of ROS, activities of antioxidant enzymes and uptake of mineral elements in response to Pb toxicity in Sedum alfredii H. were compared. Loss of plasma membrane integrity became serious by increasing Pb concentration in the medium, 200 μM Pb + 200 μM EDTA has alleviated the root cell death. The biomass was significantly affected by high concentration of Pb, and root growth was also affected by EDTA–Pb compared with ionic Pb. Lead accumulation was higher in the samples treated with ionic lead than that of the control. The concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by fluorescence microscopy, which indicates that the Pb stress increased the content of ROS significantly, whereas the EDTA–Pb decreased the burst of H 2O 2. High Pb concentrations increase the activity of SOD and LOX. The Cu concentration in root increased significantly under Pb and EDTA–Pb treatment, and 200 μM Pb markedly increased the Fe content in roots. Under ionic Pb condition, the contents of Mg, Ca and K in shoots decreased, whereas they were significantly increased in case of EDTA–Pb. These results suggested that accumulating ecotype of S. alfredii roots were inefficient in uptake of higher concentration of EDTA-chelated Pb for long treatment duration, and that lead toxicity could be alleviated by EDTA.

Effects of Lead, EDTA, and IAA on Nutrient Uptake by Alfalfa Plants

ABSTRACT The element concentrations of alfalfa plants exposed for 10 d to 40 mg lead (Pb) L− 1 from lead nitrate [Pb(NO3)2] alone, or combined with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), was determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Indole-3-acetic acid at 10 μ M and Pb/EDTA/IAA at 10 μ M increased potassium (K) concentration in roots by 87% and 94%, respectively (P < 0.05). However, IAA at 100 μ M decreased K concentration in leaves (P < 0.05). Plants exposed to 100 μ M IAA, Pb/IAA at 100 μ M, and Pb/EDTA/IAA at 100 μ M had, respectively, 30%, 55%, and 40% more sulfur (S) in leaves than control plants (P < 0.05). Lead and Pb/IAA reduced Ca concentration in stems and leaves (P < 0.05). Conversely, Pb and Pb/EDTA increased Cu concentration in roots and stems. IAA at 100 μ M, Pb, and Pb/EDTA/IAA decreased Zn concentration in roots (P < 0.05). Manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo) concentration in roots and stems was lower in plants treated with Pb and Pb/IAA (P < 0.05). Pb and Pb/IAA reduced (P < 0.05) the iron (Fe) concentration in roots. However, the addition of EDTA and IAA at 10 μ M reduced the negative effects of Pb on Fe absorption.

Copper uptake and phytotoxicity as assessed in situ for durum wheat (Triticum turgidum durum L.) cultivated in Cu-contaminated, former vineyard soils

This work assessed in situ, copper (Cu) uptake and phytotoxicity for durum wheat (Triticum turgidum durum L.) cropped in a range of Cu-contaminated, former vineyard soils (pH 4.2–7.8 and total Cu concentration 32–1,030 mg Cu kg−1) and identified the underlying soil chemical properties and related root-induced chemical changes in the rhizosphere. Copper concentrations in plants were significantly and positively correlated to soil Cu concentration (total and EDTA). In addition, Cu concentration in roots which was positively correlated to soil pH tended to be larger in calcareous soils than in non-calcareous soils. Symptoms of Cu phytotoxicity (interveinal chlorosis) were observed in some calcareous soils. Iron (Fe)–Cu antagonism was found in calcareous soils. Rhizosphere alkalisation in the most acidic soils was related to decreased CaCl2-extractable Cu. Conversely, water-extractable Cu increased in the rhizosphere of both non-calcareous and calcareous soils. This work suggests that plant Cu uptake and risks of Cu phytotoxicity in situ might be greater in calcareous soils due to interaction with Fe nutrition. Larger water extractability of Cu in the rhizosphere might relate to greater Cu uptake in plants exhibiting Cu phytotoxic symptoms.

Differences of Cu uptake and acid phosphatase activities of two Elsholtzia haichowensis Sun populations

Two Elsholtzia haichowensis Sun populations, one from Cu mine sites (Tonglushan) and the other from uncontaminated sites (Hong'an) in Hubei Province, China, were investigated in hydroponic experiments for the differences of Cu accumulation and ecophysiological responses to Cu under Cu treatment. The results showed that a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in roots was observed in Hong'an population, whereas no significant change was observed in Tonglushan population. The root pressure exudates (ml) decreased significantly in Hong'an population, but increased significantly in Tonglushan population at high Cu concentration (≥ 20 μ mol/L) treatment. Cu concentration in roots of Hong'an population was significantly higher than that in Tonglushan population. For example, Cu concentration in Hong'an population was 3 times and 4 times higher than that in Tonglushan population after 20 μ mol/L Cu treatment for one day and three days, respectively. Cu concentration in Hong'an population was 20 times and 5 times higher than that in Tonglushan population after 80 μ mol/L Cu treatment for one day and three days, respectively. The intracellular and secreted acid phosphatase (APase) activities in roots were significantly higher in Tonglushan population than in Hong'an one. The intracellular APase activities in Tonglushan population were 3 times higher than those in Hong'an population after 80 μ mol/L Cu treatment for three days and five days, respectively. The root-secreted APase activities in Tonglushan population were 1.6 times and 1.8 times higher than those in Hong'an population after 80 μ mol/L Cu treatment for three days and five days, respectively. In conclusion, excessive Cu caused serious oxidative damage in roots of Hong'an population, but not in Tonglushan population. The high intracellular and root-excreted APase activities in Tonglushan population might play an important role in reducing Cu accumulation in roots and maintaining normal phosphorus physiological metabolism in root cells under Cu stress.

The effect of red wood ant (Formica rufa group) mounds on root biomass, density, and nutrient concentrations in boreal managed forests

Red wood ants (Formica rufa group, RWAs) are common insects in boreal forests in Fennoscandia, and they build large, long-lived mounds as their nests. RWA mounds are enriched with carbon and nutrients, but little information is available about how they affect root distribution and the nutrient uptake of trees. In this study, we investigated the biomass, biomass density, nutrient concentrations, and amounts of fine (<2 mm) and coarse (>2 mm) roots in RWA mounds, and compared them with those of surrounding forest soil in mixed coniferous stands of different age classes in Finland. Neither fine nor coarse root biomasses differed significantly between the aboveground parts of the mounds and the organic layer of the soil. Root biomass density was lower in mounds than in the organic layer. However, fine root biomass and biomass density were higher in the belowground parts of mounds than in the surrounding mineral soil. Macroelement (N, Ca, K, P, S, Mg) and Zn and Cu concentrations in roots in the mounds were significantly higher than those in the organic layer. Root biomass and biomass density did not differ between stands of different age classes. The results of this study indicate that RWA mounds increase heterogeneity in root distribution in forest ecosystems, and also increase the availability of nutrients for plants that extend their roots inside RWA mounds.

Copper concentration in plants and in the rhizosphere as influenced by the iron status of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)

Changes of metal concentration that occur in the rhizosphere may arise from several processes including variation in the concentration of complexing ligands, pH or redox potential that can be influenced by the Fe status of the plant. The aim of this study was to assess for both acidic and calcareous, Cu-contaminated soils how Cu concentration in plants and in the rhizosphere was affected by the Fe status of a strategy I plant species. The change of soil solution pH, total solution Cu concentration and soil redox potential was monitored for 8 days in the rhizosphere of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) in response to contrasting Fe supply. The concentration of Cu in roots was enhanced under Fe deficiency in the acidic soils. Shoot Cu however did not vary with the Fe status of the plant. The plant Fe status had little effect on rhizosphere pH, redox potential or Cu concentration in solution in either acidic or calcareous soils. Marked differences in pH and solution Cu concentration were observed between rhizosphere and uncropped soils. Roots induced an increase in pH of acidic soils and a decrease in solution Cu concentration in all soils. The decrease in solution Cu concentration in acidic soils may be explained by the increase in rhizosphere pH. The proposed device provided new data on the fate of Cu in the rhizosphere and showed a positive correlation for the four soils considered together between the total Cu concentration in soil solution and root Cu concentration.

Effect of copper-tolerant rhizosphere bacteria on mobility of copper in soil and copper accumulation by Elsholtzia splendens

The role of rhizosphere bacteria in facilitating the solubility of copper (Cu) in contaminated soil and Cu accumulation in plant were studied. The bacteria strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of Elsholtzia splendens, a Cu accumulator growing on Tonglu Mountain copper mines. After the sandy soils containing 237 mg kg −1 were incubated with the bacteria strains, it was indicated that rhizosphere microbes played an important role in influencing the availability of water-soluble Cu in soils. Soils had greater concentrations of water-extractable Cu compared with axenic soils inoculated with different bacterial strains. Further evidence for bacterial facilitation of increased solubility of Cu in the soil was obtained using the antibiotic ampicillin (0.1 mg g − 1). There were 36% decreases in Cu concentration in the presence of bacterial strain MS12 and ampicillin together compared with bacterial inoculation alone. Different bacterial strains had different abilities on soil water-soluble Cu. To achieve the highest rates of plant Cu accumulation, it was necessary for bacteria to be present in the rhizosphere of E. splendens. Inoculated plants supplied with 20 μmol L − 1 CuSO 4 had significantly greater concentrations of Cu in shoots and roots than uninoculated plants and bacterial strain MS2 was the most effective strain in promoting plant Cu uptake. There were 2.2-fold and 2.5-fold increases in Cu accumulation in the shoots and roots of plants inoculated with strain MS2 compared to axenic controls. Furthermore, when ampicillin and the bacterial strains were added together to the nutrient solution, the Cu concentrations in roots and shoots of ampicillin-treated plants were lower than those in inoculated plants. When ampicillin was added to the nutrient solution, Cu accumulation was inhibited by about 24–44% in shoots and 20–44% in roots. The above results provided a new insight into the phytoremediation of Cu-contaminated soil.

Fe deficiency induces Cu uptake and accumulation in Commelina communis

Tissue concentrations of some mineral elements appeared to be influenced by plant Fe status. The influence of Fe deficiency on Cu uptake and accumulation in Commelina communis, and the relationship between Cu uptake and root Fe(III) chelate reductase (FCR) activity were investigated in this study. The results showed that Cu accumulation in C. communis was increased with the drop of Fe concentration in nutrient solution. Cu uptake in C. communis was significantly enhanced by Fe deficiency. Cu uptake in Fe-deficient plants were still higher than that of Fe-sufficient plants when P-type ATPase inhibitor Na 3VO 4 was added in the solution, which demonstrated that Fe deficiency induced stimulation of the plasma membrane H +-ATPase did not play a role in the enhanced Cu uptake. Fe and Cu deficiency could induced root Fe(III) chelate reductase activity in C. communis. Both Fe(III) chelate reductase activity aud Cu concentration in roots inhibited distinctly by cycloheximide, a kind of protein synthesis inhibitor. In the time course of Fe deficiency, there simultaneously appeared Cu concentration and FCR activity peaks in roots at day 9. All above evidences demonstrated Cu uptake aud accumulation in C. communis were probably related to the root FCR activity.