Silicon-induced changes in morphophysiological and biochemical characteristics in Enterolobium contortisiliquum under cadmium stress

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that may bring about harmful pollution of water and soil. Phytoremediation involving elements beneficial for plant development is a strategy to alleviate this problem. Silicon (Si) has shown potential in neutralizing biotic and abiotic stresses in plants, especially those caused by heavy metals. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether Si could mitigate the effects of Cd toxicity on growth, photosynthetic activity, and oxidative stress in seedlings of Enterolobium contortisiliquum. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design with four replications. In addition to a control treatment, the following amounts of Cd, Si, and combinations were added to the complete nutrient solution: 1.5 mM Si; 3.0 mM Si; 1.5 mM Si + 100 μM Cd; 3.0 mM Si + 100 mM Cd; 100 mM Cd. Each sampling unit consisted of a tray containing 16 plants. Silicon concentrations of 1.5 and 3.0 Si mM were adequate to mitigate the effects of cadmium toxicity on Enterolobium contortisiliquum seedlings. The results showed that Si promoted photosynthetic activity, increased total chlorophyll, and decreased shoot lipid peroxidation in the presence of Cd. Furthermore, the lack of significant differences in shoot and root dry weight among treatments and low peroxidation content in roots suggest that E. contortisiliquum is tolerant to cadmium.

Key words:
beneficial elements; oxidative stress; photosynthesis; phytoremediation; timbauva