Increasing Cadmium Concentration Research Articles

Plastic-related endocrine disrupting chemicals significantly related to the increased risk of estrogen-dependent diseases in women

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between exposure to plastic-related endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), specifically Bisphenol A (BPA), Phthalates, Cadmium, and Lead, and the risk of estrogen-dependent diseases (EDDs) such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or endometrial cancer by conducting a meta-analysis of relevant studies. MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were used for literature retrieval of articles published until the 21st of April 2023. Literature that evaluated the association between BPA, phthalates, cadmium, and/or lead exposure and the risk of PCOS, endometriosis, or endometrial cancer development or exacerbation were included in our analysis. STATA/MP 17.0 was used for all statistical analyses. ResultsOverall, 22 articles were included in our meta-analysis with a total of 83,641 subjects all of whom were females aged between 18 and 83 years old. The overall effect size of each study was as follows: endometriosis risk in relation to BPA exposure ES 1.82 (95% CI; 1.50, 2.20). BPA and PCOS risk ES 1.61 (95% CI; 1.39, 1.85). Phthalate metabolites and endometriosis risk; MBP ES 1.07 (95% CI; 0.86, 1.33), MEP ES 1.05 (95% CI; 0.87, 1.28), MEHP ES 1.15 (95% CI; 0.67, 1.98), MBzP ES 0.97 (95% CI; 0.63, 1.49), MEOHP ES 1.87 (95% CI; 1.21, 2.87), and MEHHP ES 1.98 (95% CI; 1.32, 2.98). Cadmium exposure and endometrial cancer risk ES 1.14 (95% CI; 0.92, 1.41). Cadmium exposure and the risk of endometriosis ES 2.54 (95% CI; 1.71, 3.77). Lead exposure and the risk of endometriosis ES 1.74 (95% CI; 1.13, 2.69). ConclusionIncreased serum, urinary, or dietary concentration of MBzP and MEHP in women is significantly associated with endometriosis risk. Increased cadmium concentration is associated with endometrial cancer risk.

Estimation of Cadmium Content in Lactuca sativa L. Leaves Using Visible–Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Technology

In order to monitor cadmium contamination in lettuce quickly, non-invasively, and accurately, and to understand the growth status of lettuce under cadmium pollution, lettuce was used as the test material to detect and analyze the visible–near-infrared reflectance spectra and leaf cadmium content under different concentrations of cadmium stress. A model for estimating lettuce leaf cadmium content was established. For model establishment, firstly, the original spectra were preprocessed using smoothing (Savitzky–Golay, SG), SG combined with multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), SG combined with standard normal variable transformation (SNV), SG combined with mean normalization (MN), SG combined with the first derivative (FD), SG combined with the second derivative (SD), SG combined with the baseline offset (B), and SG combined with de-trending (D). Then, the principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to perform dimensionality reduction on the data. Finally, the reduced dataset was divided into training and testing sets in a 2:1 ratio, and separate models for estimating the lettuce leaf cadmium content were built using partial least squares regression (PLSR), the backpropagation neural network (BP-NN), and support vector regression (SVR) in combination. The results showed that the accumulated cadmium content in lettuce leaves increased with an increase in the soil cadmium concentration. In the visible light range, the spectral reflectance of lettuce leaves increased with an increase in the cadmium concentration. In the near-infrared range, the spectral reflectance of the lettuce leaves under 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg cadmium stress was lower than that of the control group. The PLSR models established using the SG + MSC and SG + SNV preprocessing methods exhibited the strongest estimation capability for lettuce leaf cadmium content, with Rp2 and RMSEp values of 0.92 and 1.53 mg/kg, respectively, for the testing dataset. This study demonstrated that visible–near-infrared spectroscopy has great potential in monitoring cadmium contamination in lettuce.

Reproductive strategy response of the fungi Sarocladium and the evaluation for remediation under stress of heavy metal Cd(II)

Cadmium (Cd) is documented as one of the most lethal metals and poses a major threat to all life forms in the environment due to its toxic effects. Bioremediation of hazardous metals has received considerable and growing interest over the years. The functional fungi with tolerance to the heavy metal Cd were screened from the mining soil samples. Two fungi isolates from coal mine soil were characterized as Sarocladium sp. M2 and Sarocladium sp. M6 based on morphological and partial ITS sequencing analysis. M2 and M6 exhibited high levels of resistance to cadmium, and they were investigated for their micro-morphology and application in heavy metal removal with different concentration Cd(II) (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/L). The colony morphology of M2 and M6 gradually become very similar to that of bacteria with the increase of cadmium concentration (150–200 mg/L). Micro-morphological studies showed that Cd(II) exposure caused the disappearance of conidial heads and the occurrence of hyphae breakage (100–200 mg/L Cd(II), which is consistent to the colony morphology results. The surface/volume ratio of the spores decreased with the presence of Cd(II). The removal potential of fungi for cadmium was quantified by atomic absorption spectrometry. M2 and M6 showed great potential as bioremediators for highly Cd(II)-contaminated environment. The highest Cd(II) biosorption capacity was 5.13 ± 0.21 mg/g for M2 and 6.04 ± 0.21 mg/g for M6. The highest heavy metal sorption by M2 removed 57.11% ± 4.45% Cd(II) while that of M6 removed 48.35% ± 1.44% Cd(II) in 200 mg/L initial concentration Cd(II). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that cadmium induced the change of reproduction mode of the Sarocladium, from conidia to arthrospores, which made the colony morphological modifications, from the fungi colony morphology to the bacteria colony morphology. The arthrospore-modified (hyphae breakage) seemed to accumulate greater amounts of heavy metals than filamentous hyphae formation.

Assessment of heavy metals contamination of agricultural soils using pollution indicators in Thi-Qar governorate, Southern Iraq

This study aims to assess the levels of contamination of agricultural soils with heavy elements (cobalt, copper, iron, nickel, cadmium, and lead) in three regions in Thi-Qar Governorate, Southern Iraq. These three regions are Al-Gharraf, Al-Islah, and Al-Batha. The study was done by using the pollution indicators, which are geographical pollution index (Igeo), contamination degree (Cd), contamination factor (Cf), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk factor (Er), and finally, risk index (RI). From each region, four soil samples were collected from holes 25 cm deep, separated by a distance of 500 meters. After the digestion process of the samples, the concentrations of the studied elements were measured by flam atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). The results showed that the average heavy metal concentrations for all samples were (365.810, 96.424, 41.36, 11.919, 5.194 and 0.352 mg/kg). They were in the following order Fe > Ni > Cu >Co > Pb > Cd, respectively. The concentrations of heavy metals in the study areas were all within the limits allowed by the World Health Organization (WHO) except for 8.3% of the studied areas that were beyond the permissible limits for cadmium only. The reason for the increase in cadmium concentrations in some areas could be due to sewage, industrial emissions and agricultural practices. According to the Igeo values, the levels of minerals studied for the three regions followed the following order Cd > Cu > Co > Pb > N i> Fe.

Analysis of Cadmium Contamination in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Using Visible-Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy

In order to rapidly and accurately monitor cadmium contamination in lettuce and understand the growth conditions of lettuce under cadmium pollution, lettuce is used as the test material. Under different concentrations of cadmium stress and at different growth stages, relative chlorophyll content of lettuce leaves, the cadmium content in the leaves, and the visible-near infrared reflectance spectra are detected and analyzed. An inversion model of the cadmium content and relative chlorophyll content in the lettuce leaves is established. The results indicate that cadmium concentrations of 1 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg promote relative chlorophyll content, while concentrations of 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg inhibit relative chlorophyll content. The cadmium content in the leaves increases with increasing cadmium concentrations. Cadmium stress caused a “blue shift” in the red edge position only during the mature period, while the red valley position underwent a “blue shift” during the seedling and growth periods and a “red shift” during the mature period. The green peak position exhibited a “blue shift”. After model validation, it was found that the model constructed using the ratio of red edge area to yellow edge area and the normalized values of red edge area and yellow edge area effectively estimated the cadmium content in lettuce leaves. The model established using the normalized vegetation index of the red edge and the ratio of the peak green value to red shoulder amplitude can effectively estimate the relative chlorophyll content in lettuce leaves. This study demonstrates that the visible-near infrared spectroscopy technique holds great potential for monitoring cadmium contamination and estimating chlorophyll content in lettuce.

Morphological and metabolic changes in microglia exposed to cadmium: Cues on neurotoxic mechanisms

Microglial cells play a key role in protecting the central nervous system from pathogens and toxic compounds and are involved in the pathogenesis of different neurodegenerative diseases. Cadmium is a widespread toxic heavy metal, released into the environment at a rate of 30,000 tons/year by anthropogenic activities; it is easily uptaken by the human body through diet and cigarette smoke, as well as by occupational exposure. Once inside the body, cadmium enters the cells and substitutes to zinc and other divalent cations altering many biological functions. Its extremely long half-life makes it a serious health threat. Recent data suggest a role for heavy metals in many neurodegenerative diseases; however, the role of cadmium is still to be elucidated. In this work we report the investigation of cadmium toxicity towards murine BV2 microglial cells, a widely used model for the study of neurodegeneration. Results show that increasing cadmium concentrations increase oxidative stress, a proposed mechanism of neurodegeneration, but also that BV2 cells can keep oxidative stress under control by increasing glutathione reduction. Moreover, cadmium induces alterations of cell morphology and metabolism leading to mitochondrial impairment, without switching the cells to Warburg effect. Finally cadmium induces the release of proinflammatory cytokines, but does not markedly switch BV2 cells to M1 phenotype.

Detection of Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) Concentrations and Hazards in Some Baby Food Samples

This study was conducted to detect the concentration of lead and cadmium in baby foods, (18) samples were examined, which are the most available from various local markets in the city of Baghdad (at a rate of (9) samples of baby food consisting of cereals and (9) samples of baby foods consisting of vegetables). All samples were examined using an atomic flame absorptiometry (AAS-7000), all results showed the presence of lead and cadmium and the highest concentration value of lead in baby foods consisting of cereals (1.0986) and cadmium in baby foods consisting of vegetables (0.0015) ppm. Lead exceeded 100% limitations and cadmium did not exceed that. The results reported on the risks of contamination, as the mean daily intake (g/kg/d) for lead (1.3538) and cadmium amounted to (0.010), and the target hazard quotient index was high for the index (THQ>10) for lead in most of the samples examined and reached (THQ<10) in some samples examined, while cadmium all samples reached an index of (THQ<10). The study showed an increase in lead concentrations and perceptible risks and did not report an increase in cadmium concentrations outside the determinants, but it warns of imperceptible risks to the consumer. The study showed statistically significant differences between the levels of lead and cadmium and between the studied species and did not show statistically significant differences between the origins at the level of significance (0.05). It has been shown that these products pose a risk to children when consumed, so these products must be banned and ways must be found to reduce or prevent these pollutants with these products or find appropriate alternatives.

The Effect of EDTA on the Ability to Absorb Different Concentrations of Nickel, Cadmium, and Lead in Soil by Corn Plants

Background & Aims: The use of resistant and widely used species such as corn in agriculture and industry can be an effective solution for the bioremediation of soil pollutants, including heavy elements. The current research aimed to investigate the effect of EDTA on the ability to absorb different concentrations of heavy metals in the soil of corn plants in 2019. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted as a three-factor pilot design at concentrations of 0, 50, and 100 mg/kg in the greenhouse. The samples were analyzed using an atomic absorption device. The laboratory pilot design was based on Taguchi’s algorithm. Finally, transfer factor (TF), bioconcentration factor (BCF), and bioaccumulation coefficient (BAC) were calculated. Results: The results showed that different organs (root, stem, and leaf) show different levels of bioaccumulation under the influence of variable factors in different concentrations of heavy elements (nickel, cadmium, and lead). Also, there is a significant difference between the measured amounts of heavy elements in different organs of the corn plant (P≤0.05). The average TF levels for elements at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/kg were 0.79 and 1.66 for nickel, 0.82 and 0.78 for cadmium and 1.361, 1.378, and 1.387 for lead. Based on the results, with the increase in nickel concentration, the absorption level increased, and with the increase in cadmium concentration, the absorption level decreased. Conclusion: The results of this research showed that it is possible to use EDTA to increase the efficiency of corn plants in absorbing heavy elements of nickel, cadmium, and lead.

Genotypical response of barley to increased cadmium content in soil

The results of a comparative evaluation of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties obtained by different methods on control and provocative soil background for cadmium are presented. A total of 10 varieties were studied: Rodnik Prikamya, Novichok, Dina, Zazersky 85, Triumph, Tallon (hybridization and selection); Forward, Bionic, Vitrum (cell selection); In memory of Dudin (mutagenesis). The studies were carried out in 2021 under the climatic conditions of the Kirov region. Seeds of the plants of each variety were sown in vegetation containers filled with soddy-podzolic soil. Cadmium provocative background (6.4 ± 0.5 mg/kg) was created by adding cadmium acetate to the soil. The average yield of barley varieties in the control (soil background without cadmium) was 279 g/m2; against a provocative background – 216 g/m2. Under the conditions of cadmium stress, the yield of hybrids decreased compared to the control by 12.2 %, regenerants – by 29.6 %, mutant – by 42.4 %. Among the studied varieties, the Bionic variety, which has a regenerated origin, showed a consistently high yield both on the control (334 g/m2) and cadmium background (263 g/m2). Productive bushiness of hybrid barley varieties against the control background varied from 2.8 to 4.1; in regenerants – from 3.4 to 4.8; mutant varieties – 4.3 pieces. Under the conditions of cadmium stress, productive bushiness decreased by an average of 2.7 – in hybrids; for 3.4 – for regenerants, for 2.6 pieces – a mutant. Bionic, regardless of the soil background, compared with other varieties, had the highest productive bushiness. Significant differences in the content of polyphenols in the grain of the studied varieties on the control and provocation soil background for cadmium were not revealed. Under the conditions of cadmium stress, a decrease in the content of flavonoids in grain was noted, as well as the accumulation of cadmium (0.29–0.92 mg/kg). Varieties of hybrid origin showed the ability to accumulate cadmium in grain to a greater extent.

Effect of Cd2+ Substitution on Structural-Magnetic and Dielectric Properties of Ni-Cu-Zn Spinel Ferrite Nanomaterials by Sol-Gel.

CdxNi0.5-xCu0.2Zn0.3Fe2O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.50) ferrite with a spinel structure was prepared using the sol-gel self-propagation method. The effects of Cd2+ doping on the structure, morphology, dielectric, and magnetic properties of Ni-Cu-Zn ferrite were examined using XRD, SEM, EDX, FTIR, MPMS, and dielectric tests. The cubic spinel structure was verified by XRD and FTIR analyses. The crystallite size and particle size information of the samples were obtained with XRD and SEM analysis. The sample particle size belonged to a class of nanoscale materials with a particle size range of 1-100 nm. The minor difference between the grain size and particle size indicated that the sample nanoparticles were composed of numerous microcrystals. The EDX spectra indicated that the samples contained all stoichiometric elements. MPMS was used to measure the hysteresis lines of the samples. According to the hysteresis line, the saturation magnetization intensity (Ms), coercivity (Hc), and magnetic moment (μB) of the sample increased and then decreased with the increase in cadmium concentration. The magnetization strength (Ms) is between 4-67 emu/g, and the coercivity (Hc) is between 9-46 Oe. The curves of the real part of the dielectric constant (ε'), the imaginary part of the dielectric constant (ε″), and the loss factor (tanδ) with frequency were measured in the frequency range 100 Hz-100 kHz by means of an impedance analyzer. The complex modulus spectrum was analyzed to understand the dynamics of the conduction process.

Community-based mechanisms underlying the root cadmium uptake regulated by Cd-tolerant strains in rice (Oryza sativa. L).

In recent years, the problem of Cd pollution in paddy fields has become more and more serious, which seriously threatens the safe production of food crops and human health. Using microorganisms to reduce cadmium pollution in rice fields is a green, safe and efficient method, the complicated interactions between the microbes in rice roots throughout the process of cadmium absorption by rice roots are poorly understood. In this investigation, a hydroponic pot experiment was used to examine the effects of bacteria R3 (Herbaspirillum sp) and T4 (Bacillus cereus) on cadmium uptake and the endophytic bacterial community in rice roots. The results showed that compared with CK (Uninoculated bacterial liquid), the two strains had significant inhibitory or promotive effects on cadmium uptake in rice plant, respectively. Among them, the decrease of cadmium content in rice plants by R3 strain reached 78.57-79.39%, and the increase of cadmium content in rice plants by T4 strain reached 140.49-158.19%. Further investigation showed that the cadmium content and root cadmium enrichment coefficient of rice plants were significantly negatively correlated with the relative abundances of Burkholderia and Acidovorax, and significantly positively correlated with the relative abundances of Achromobacter, Agromyces and Acidocella. Moreover, a more complex network of microbes in rice roots inhibited rice plants from absorbing cadmium. These results suggest that cadmium uptake by rice plants is closely related to the endophytic bacterial community of roots. This study provides a reference scheme for the safe production of crops in cadmium contaminated paddies and lays a solid theoretical foundation for subsequent field applications.

A Theoretical Analysis of Spin-Dependent Tunneling in ZnO-Based Heterostructures

The electron tunneling in ZnO/ZnCdO semiconductor heterostructure is studied using the matrix method. The spin-polarization is examined due to Dresselhaus spin–orbit interaction and Rashba spin–orbit interaction. The total spin-polarization is mainly due to Dresselhaus spin–orbit interaction and the Rashba spin–orbit interaction is small. The high degree of spin polarization can be achieved at a high barrier width. With the increasing cadmium concentration in this heterostructure, the spin polarization efficiency is enhanced. The dwell time is reported and discussed.

Impaired PPARγ activation by cadmium exacerbates infection-induced lung injury.

Emerging data indicate an association between environmental heavy metal exposure and lung disease, including lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). Here, we show by single-cell RNA sequencing an increase in Pparg gene expression in lung macrophages from mice exposed to cadmium and/or infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae. However, the heavy metal cadmium or infection mediated an inhibitory posttranslational modification of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) to exacerbate LRTIs. Cadmium and infection increased ERK activation to regulate PPARγ degradation in monocyte-derived macrophages. Mice harboring a conditional deletion of Pparg in monocyte-derived macrophages had more severe S. pneumoniae infection after cadmium exposure, showed greater lung injury, and had increased mortality. Inhibition of ERK activation with BVD-523 protected mice from lung injury after cadmium exposure or infection. Moreover, individuals residing in areas of high air cadmium levels had increased cadmium concentration in their bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, increased barrier dysfunction, and showed PPARγ inhibition that was mediated, at least in part, by ERK activation in isolated BAL cells. These observations suggest that impaired activation of PPARγ in monocyte-derived macrophages exacerbates lung injury and the severity of LRTIs.

Associations of urinary and blood cadmium concentrations with all-cause mortality in US adults with chronic kidney disease: a prospective cohort study.

Epidemiological evidence for the relationship between cadmium exposure and mortality in specific chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations remains scarce. We aimed to explore the relationships between cadmium concentrations in urine and blood and all-cause mortality among CKD patients in the USA. This cohort study was composed of 1825 CKD participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (1999-2014) who were followed up to December 31, 2015. All-cause mortality was ascertained by matching the National Death Index (NDI) records. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause mortality in relation to urinary and blood cadmium concentrations by Cox regression models. During an average follow-up period of 82 months, 576 CKD participants died. Compared with the lowest quartiles, HRs (95% CIs) for all-cause mortality associated with the fourth weighted quartiles of urinary and blood cadmium concentrations were 1.75 (1.28 to 2.39) and 1.59 (1.17 to 2.15), respectively. Furthermore, the HRs (95% CIs) for all-cause mortality per ln-transformed IQR increment in cadmium concentrations in urine (1.15 μg/g UCr) and blood (0.95 μg/L) were 1.40 (1.21 to 1.63) and 1.22 (1.07 to 1.40), respectively. Linear concentration-response relationships between urinary and blood cadmium concentrations and all-cause mortality were also found. Our findings suggested that increased cadmium concentrations in both urine and blood significantly contributed to enhanced mortality risk in CKD patients, thus highlighting that efforts to reduce cadmium exposure may reduce mortality risk in high-risk populations with CKD.

Single and combined effects of microplastics and cadmium on the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

Microplastic pollution of the ocean has received extensive attention as plastic pollution increases globally, but the potential ecological risks caused by microplastic interactions with trace metals still require further research. In this study, Apostichopus japonicus was used to explore the individual and combined toxicities of cadmium (Cd) and microplastics and their effects on growth, Cd tissue accumulation, digestive enzymes, and gut microbes. The body weight gain and specific growth rate of animals exposed to a combination of high concentrations of Cd and microplastics decreased. The addition of high concentrations of cadmium to the diet led to an increase in cadmium content in the respiratory tree, digestive tract and body wall. Amylase, lipase and trypsin decreased to different degrees in the group treated with high concentrations of Cd/microplastics. Firmicutes were significantly reduced across multiple treatment groups, with the order Lactobacillales being the most significantly affected. Cd is the pollutant causing the greatest negative impact, but the presence of microplastics undoubtedly increases its toxicity.

Progress in the Study of the Absorption

Ramie ( Boehmeria nivea ) is notable for its ability to accumulate and adsorb cadmium from heavy metal-contaminated soil. The accumulation of cadmium is more pronounced at a low cadmium concentration in the soil, and decreases with increase in cadmium concentration because of the effects of cadmium toxicity. In this review, the absorption, accumulation, and tolerance to cadmium of ramie is summarized. The existing knowledge gaps and prospects for utilization of ramie are noted to provide a theoretical foundation for future research on the utility of ramie for remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil and for ramie breeding. 

Absorption of Cadmium and its Effect on the Growth of Halfsib Family of Three Cocoa Clones Seedling

The issue of cadmium in cocoa beans has become one of the primary considerations in setting quality criteria in chocolate-consuming countries. Using rootstock genotypes that are tolerant to cadmium uptake can provide data on the absorption of cadmium into shoots for recovery. This study examined cocoa plants’ growth and physiological response to cadmium (Cd) accumulation. The research was carried out using polybags in the Greenhouse of the Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Center using a half-sib family of cocoa aged 4 months after sowing. The study was designed using a completely randomized split-plot design with 3 replications. The parent plots were the half-sib families of Sulawesi 1, Sulawesi 2, and Scavina 6. The subplots were added with cadmium solution at 0 (control), 2, 4, and 8 ppm. The results showed that adding cadmium up to 8 ppm did not affect the growth and biomass of cocoa seedlings; however, it had a negative effect on plant physiological processes of the net assimilation rate and relative growth rate. Cadmium content in the tissue increased with increasing cadmium concentration in the growing medium. The accumulation of cadmium in roots was higher than that of shoots. Absorption of cadmium in the root tissue of Sulawesi 1 was higher than that of Scavina 6 and Sulawesi 2; genetic factors did not affect cadmium uptake in the shoots. There was a positive correlation between root dry weight and cadmium concentration in the tissue; the higher the dry weight of the root tissue, the higher the cadmium uptake in plants.

Integrated genomics and transcriptomics reveal the extreme heavy metal tolerance and adsorption potentiality of Staphylococcus equorum

In this study, we successfully isolated 11 species of cadmium-tolerant bacterium from Pu-erh rhizosphere soil, of which Staphylococcus equorum PU1 showed the highest cadmium tolerance, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 500 mg/L. The cadmium removal efficiency of PU1 in 400 mg/L cadmium medium reached 58.7 %. Based on the Nanopore PromethION and Illumina NovaSeq platforms, we successfully obtained the complete PU1 genome with a size of 2,705,540 bp, which encoded 2729 genes. We further detected 82 and 44 indel mutations in the PU1 genome compared with the KS1039 and KM1031 genomes from the database. Transcriptional analysis showed that the expression of 11 genes in PU1 increased with increasing cadmium concentrations (from 0 to 200, then to 400 mg/L), which encoded cadmium resistance, cadmium transport, and mercury resistance genes. In addition, some genes showed differential expression patterns with changes in cadmium concentration, including quinone oxidoreductase-like protein, ferrous iron transport protein, and flavohemoprotein. Gene Ontology (GO) functions, including oxidation reduction process and oxidoreductase activity functions, and KEGG pathways, including glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and biosynthesis of secondary metals, were also considered closely related to the extreme cadmium tolerance of PU1. This study provides novel insight into the cadmium tolerance mechanism of bacteria.

Effect of Cadmium on Germination and Seedling Growth of Cicer arietinum, Cv.G130

Heavy metals contamination in agriculture, especially near industrial areas, is very common, and they are toxic and harmful to for thegrowth of plants. Biologically, cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential element for plants and it reduces the germination and seedling growthof Cicer arietinum. In the present study effects of different cadmium chloride concentrations (1, 10 and 50 mg-1) were investigated onseedling growth of C. arietinum, L cv. G130. The seedling growth studies were carried out in dark and light conditions. Germinationpercentage was recorded after 24 hours for both dark and light conditions. During the observation, it was found that the higherconcentration of cadmium, particularly 50 mg-1, significantly reduced plant growth. The length of epicotyl and radicle shows gradualinhibition as the cadmium concentration is increased from 10 to 50 mg-1 Cd. Similarly, fresh weight and dry weight also decreased withthe increased cadmium concentrations. It was noted that the higher concentration of Cd inhibited plant growth and the lower metalconcentration showed of plant growth promotion. However, studies reveal that the growth is promoted in 1 mg-1 Cd concentration (1ppm). Results confirmed cadmium’s toxic effect on chickpea seedling growth at higher concentrations

Detection of Cadmium Genotoxicity on Fatty Acids Desaturase-2 Genes in Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)

Environmental pollution negatively affects the life activities of the living things of the environment and causes structural damages on the all living and inanimate things. The extent of the damage caused by human-made pollution to nature and the environment is increasing day by day. Heavy metal pollution is one of the most important causes of environmental pollution. Cadmium, which is one of the most important pollutants, is a highly toxic metal and is not used by living things, even in trace amounts. Cadmium is also a very toxic heavy metal for plants. As with other heavy metals, it triggers oxidative stress by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species in plant cells, causing DNA damage and abnormalities in DNA and RNA production. Safflower is a very important oil plant with high economic value and intensive use as a raw material in many sectors. In this study, in experimental groups prepared at different cadmium concentrations, the negative/genotoxic effects of cadmium on the mRNA expression levels of the FAD2 (FAD2-6, FAD2-7, FAD2-11) genes, which is responsible for the conversion of oleic acid to linoleic acid in different safflower varieties (Balci, Bdyas-04, Linas and Asol) has been determined by quantitative Real-Time PCR method. As a result, it has been detected that the decrease firstly in the expression of FAD2 genes at increasing cadmium concentrations in all cultivars. And also, re-increase at 160 and 320 mg L-1 which can be considered as critical points, have been accepted as an indication that the defense mechanism against stress is activated and FAD2 genes play a role in the defense against stress. In conclusion, the obtained data showed that FAD2 genes in safflower cultivars not only in the conversion of fatty acids but also play a critical role in defense against cadmium heavy metal stress.