Evolutionary aspects of elemental hyperaccumulation

Simultaneous hyperaccumulation of cadmium and manganese in Celosia argentea Linn

To indentify Mn/Cd co-hyperaccumulatoion in Celosia argentea Linn., 2 pot experiments were conducted using Cd/Mn-amended and real contaminated soils, respectively. The interaction between Cd and Mn with regard to their accumulation in the plants was also assessed. The results indicated that C. argentea can simultaneously hyperaccumulate Cd and Mn. The maximum Cd and Mn concentrations in leaves were 276 and 29,000 mg/kg, respectively. Mn application significantly enhanced the biomass production and Cd accumulation in shoots (p < 0.05). However, Cd addition did not reduce Mn accumulation in the plants. The interactions between Cd and Mn in C. argentea differ from what was previously found in hydroponic experiments. This species grew healthy in soils taken from a Cd/Mn-contaminated site, indicating a high tolerance to Cd and Mn. The transfer and bioaccumulation factors of Cd and Mn were greater than 1, which showed that C. argentea had potential for Cd and Mn phytoextraction. Besides its potential practical benefits, C. argentea is an important resource to study the mechanisms of Cd/Mn hyperaccumulation and tolerance in plants.

Mechanisms of selenium hyperaccumulation in plants: A survey of molecular, biochemical and ecological cues

BACKGROUND

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient required for many life forms, but toxic at higher concentration. Plants do not have a Se requirement, but can benefit from Se via enhanced antioxidant activity. Some plant species can accumulate Se to concentrations above 0.1% of dry weight and seem to possess mechanisms that distinguish Se from its analog sulfur (S). Research on these so-called Se hyperaccumulators aims to identify key genes for this remarkable trait and to understand ecological implications.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

This review gives a broad overview of the current knowledge about Se uptake and metabolism in plants, with a special emphasis on hypothesized mechanisms of Se hyperaccumulation. The role of Se in plant defense responses and the associated ecological implications are discussed.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Hyperaccumulators have enhanced expression of S transport and assimilation genes, and may possess transporters with higher specificity for selenate over sulfate. Genes involved in antioxidant reactions and biotic stress resistance are also upregulated. Key regulators in these processes appear to be the growth regulators jasmonic acid, salicylic acid and ethylene. Hyperaccumulation may have evolved owing to associated ecological benefits, particularly protection against pathogens and herbivores, and as a form of elemental allelopathy.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding plant Se uptake and metabolism in hyperaccumulators has broad relevance for the environment, agriculture and human and animal nutrition and may help generate crops with selenate-specific uptake and high capacity to convert selenate to less toxic, anticarcinogenic, organic Se compounds.

Profiling of proteasome activity in Alyssum species on serpentine soils in Turkey reveals possible insight into nickel tolerance and accumulation

In crops and most plants, nickel induces oxidative stress resulting in oxidized and misfolded proteins. Proteasomes maintain cellular homeostasis during stress by removing these damaged proteins. Although mild stress tolerance is mediated by proteasomal proteolysis of misfolded and oxidized proteins, previous studies have observed that severe nickel stress decreases proteasome activity in nickel-sensitive plants. Whether or not proteasome function is impaired in nickel-tolerant plants is not know. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that proteasome activity is elevated in nickel-tolerant Alyssum species capable of accumulating nickel to unusually high levels. Our field studies examined Alyssum sibiricum and Alyssum caricum, a moderate nickel accumulator and hyper-accumulator respectively, growing on their native serpentine soil in Turkey. A. sibiricum had higher proteasome activity on serpentine soil compared to non-serpentine soil; these plants also had elevated levels of nickel accumulation and higher proteasome activity compared to other low accumulating plants in the genus Festuca or Astragalus. In A. caricum, proteasome activity was very weakly correlated with nickel soil bioavailability or accumulation in leaf tissue, suggesting that proteasome function was not impaired in plants that accumulated the highest concentration of nickel. We discuss if maintained proteasome activity might underpin nickel tolerance and the unique ecophysiology of nickel hyper-accumulation in plants.

Variation in the angiosperm ionome

The ionome is defined as the elemental composition of a subcellular structure, cell, tissue, organ or organism. The subset of the ionome comprising mineral nutrients is termed the functional ionome. A 'standard functional ionome' of leaves of an 'average' angiosperm, defined as the nutrient composition of leaves when growth is not limited by mineral nutrients, is presented and can be used to compare the effects of environment and genetics on plant nutrition. The leaf ionome of a plant is influenced by interactions between its environment and genetics. Examples of the effects of the environment on the leaf ionome are presented and the consequences of nutrient deficiencies on the leaf ionome are described. The physiological reasons for (1) allometric relationships between leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and (2) linear relationships between leaf calcium and magnesium concentrations are explained. It is noted that strong phylogenetic effects on the mineral composition of leaves of angiosperm species are observed even when sampled from diverse environments. The evolutionary origins of traits including (1) the small calcium concentrations of Poales leaves, (2) the large magnesium concentrations of Caryophyllales leaves and (3) the large sulphur concentrations of Brassicales leaves are traced using phylogenetic relationships among angiosperm orders, families and genera. The rare evolution of hyperaccumulation of toxic elements in leaves of angiosperms is also described. Consequences of variation in the leaf ionome for ecology, mineral cycling in the environment, strategies for phytoremediation of contaminated land, sustainable agriculture and the nutrition of livestock and humans are discussed.

Transcriptome-wide comparison of selenium hyperaccumulator and nonaccumulator Stanleya species provides new insight into key processes mediating the hyperaccumulation syndrome

To obtain better insight into the mechanisms of selenium hyperaccumulation in Stanleya pinnata, transcriptome-wide differences in root and shoot gene expression levels were investigated in S. pinnata and related nonaccumulator Stanleya elata grown with or without 20 μm selenate. Genes predicted to be involved in sulphate/selenate transport and assimilation or in oxidative stress resistance (glutathione-related genes and peroxidases) were among the most differentially expressed between species; many showed constitutively elevated expression in S. pinnata. A number of defence-related genes predicted to mediate synthesis and signalling of defence hormones jasmonic acid (JA, reported to induce sulphur assimilatory and glutathione biosynthesis genes), salicylic acid (SA) and ethylene were also more expressed in S. pinnata than S. elata. Several upstream signalling genes that up-regulate defence hormone synthesis showed higher expression in S. pinnata than S. elata and might trigger these selenium-mediated defence responses. Thus, selenium hyperaccumulation and hypertolerance in S. pinnata may be mediated by constitutive, up-regulated JA, SA and ethylene-mediated defence systems, associated with elevated expression of genes involved in sulphate/selenate uptake and assimilation or in antioxidant activity. Genes pinpointed in this study may be targets of genetic engineering of plants that may be employed in biofortification or phytoremediation.

Cadmium and lead bioaccumulation potentials of an aquatic macrophyte Ceratophyllum demersum L.: A laboratory study

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) pollutions caused by industrial activities are one of the most serious threats to aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this study is to investigate the Cd and Pb bioaccumulations and diverse physiological and biochemical properties of Ceratophyllum demersum L. exposed to different concentrations of Cd (0.5-2.0mg/L) and Pb (25-100mg/L) in aqueous media for 1, 3 and 5 days. Cd and Pb accumulations increased with increase in the exposure times and concentrations, and the highest accumulation values of Cd and Pb were recorded at 2mg/L (2668.33mg/kg dw) and 100mg/L (22,504.10mg/kg dw), respectively, after 5 days. However, higher bioconcentration factors (BCF) were calculated as 645.43 at 25mg/L Pb and as 1357.92 at 1mg/L Cd after 5 days. The results showed that photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids) and protein contents of the plants exposed to Cd and Pb toxicities decreased with increasing metal concentration and exposure time, whereas their malondialdehyde (MDA) contents increased. Additionally, the single and synergistic effects of duration and metal concentration on the fresh and dry weights of the plant were determined. The results of this study reveal that C. demersum, propagated by tissue culture technique, can be used effectively in the phytoremediation of aquatic environments contaminated by Cd and Pb. This study will also make a positive contribution to the progression of new phytotechnologies on the purpose of the remediation of wastewater by plants in future.

Divergent biology of facultative heavy metal plants

Among heavy metal plants (the metallophytes), facultative species can live both in soils contaminated by an excess of heavy metals and in non-affected sites. In contrast, obligate metallophytes are restricted to polluted areas. Metallophytes offer a fascinating biology, due to the fact that species have developed different strategies to cope with the adverse conditions of heavy metal soils. The literature distinguishes between hyperaccumulating, accumulating, tolerant and excluding metallophytes, but the borderline between these categories is blurred. Due to the fact that heavy metal soils are dry, nutrient limited and are not uniform but have a patchy distribution in many instances, drought-tolerant or low nutrient demanding species are often regarded as metallophytes in the literature. In only a few cases, the concentrations of heavy metals in soils are so toxic that only a few specifically adapted plants, the genuine metallophytes, can cope with these adverse soil conditions. Current molecular biological studies focus on the genetically amenable and hyperaccumulating Arabidopsis halleri and Noccaea (Thlaspi) caerulescens of the Brassicaceae. Armeria maritima ssp. halleri utilizes glands for the excretion of heavy metals and is, therefore, a heavy metal excluder. The two endemic zinc violets of Western Europe, Viola lutea ssp. calaminaria of the Aachen-Liège area and Viola lutea ssp. westfalica of the Pb-Cu-ditch of Blankenrode, Eastern Westphalia, as well as Viola tricolor ecotypes of Eastern Europe, keep their cells free of excess heavy metals by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi which bind heavy metals. The Caryophyllaceae, Silene vulgaris f. humilis and Minuartia verna, apparently discard leaves when overloaded with heavy metals. All Central European metallophytes have close relatives that grow in areas outside of heavy metal soils, mainly in the Alps, and have, therefore, been considered as relicts of the glacial epoch in the past. However, the current literature favours the idea that hyperaccumulation of heavy metals serves plants as deterrent against attack by feeding animals (termed elemental defense hypothesis). The capability to hyperaccumulate heavy metals in A. halleri and N. caerulescens is achieved by duplications and alterations of the cis-regulatory properties of genes coding for heavy metal transporting/excreting proteins. Several metallophytes have developed ecotypes with a varying content of such heavy metal transporters as an adaption to the specific toxicity of a heavy metal site.

Zinc hyperaccumulation substitutes for defense failures beyond salicylate and jasmonate signaling pathways of Alternaria brassicicola attack in Noccaea caerulescens

The hypothesis of metal defense as a substitute for a defective biotic stress signaling system in metal hyperaccumulators was tested using the pathosystem Alternaria brassicicola-Noccaea caerulescens under low (2 µM), medium (12 µM) and high (102 µM) Zn supply. Regardless the Zn supply, N. caerulescens responded to fungal attack with the activation of both HMA4 coding for a Zn transporter, and biotic stress signaling pathways. Salicylate, jasmonate, abscisic acid and indoleacetic acid concentrations, as well as biotic stress marker genes (PDF1.2, CHIB, LOX2, PR1 and BGL2) were activated 24 h upon inoculation. Based on the activation of defense genes 24 h after the inoculation an incompatible fungal-plant interaction could be predicted. Nonetheless, in the longer term (7 days) no effective protection against A. brassicicola was achieved in plants exposed to low and medium Zn supply. After 1 week the biotic stress markers were even further increased in these plants, and this compatible interaction was apparently not caused by a failure in the signaling of the fungal attack, but due to the lack of specificity in the type of the activated defense mechanisms. Only plants receiving high Zn exhibited an incompatible fungal interaction. High Zn accumulation in these plants, possibly in cooperation with high glucosinolate concentrations, substituted for the ineffective defense system and the interaction turned into incompatible. In a threshold-type response, these joint effects efficiently hampered fungal spread and, consequently decreased the biotic stress signaling.

Comparison of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal effects on the heavy metal uptake of a host and a non-host plant species in contact with extraradical mycelial network

The effects of inoculation with an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus on Cd and Ni tolerance and uptake in Medicago sativa, an AM host, and Sesuvium portulacastrum, a non-host plant, were investigated in a greenhouse experiment. The plants were cultivated in sterilized sand in a two-compartmented system, which prevented root competition but enabled colonization of the whole substrate by AM fungal extraradical mycelium. M. sativa was either left non-inoculated or inoculated with the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis, and both plants were either cultivated without heavy metal (HM) addition or supplied with cadmium (Cd) or nickel (Ni), each in two doses. Additional pots with singly cultivated plants were established to control for the effect of the co-cultivation. AM significantly enhanced the growth of M. sativa and substantially increased its uptake of both HMs. The roots of S. portulacastrum became colonized by AM fungal hyphae and vesicles. The presence of the AM fungus in the cultivation system tended to increase the HM uptake of S. portulacastrum, but the effect was less consistent and pronounced than that in M. sativa. We conclude that AM fungal mycelium radiating from M. sativa did not negatively affect the growth and HM uptake of S. portulacastrum. On the contrary, we hypothesize that it stimulated the absorption and translocation of Cd and Ni in the non-host species. Thus, our results suggest that AM fungal mycelium radiating from mycorrhizal plants does not decrease the HM uptake of non-host plants, many of which are considered promising candidate plants for phytoremediation.

The fascinating facets of plant selenium accumulation - biochemistry, physiology, evolution and ecology

Contents 1582 I. 1582 II. 1583 III. 1588 IV. 1590 V. 1592 1592 References 1592 SUMMARY: The importance of selenium (Se) for medicine, industry and the environment is increasingly apparent. Se is essential for many species, including humans, but toxic at elevated concentrations. Plant Se accumulation and volatilization may be applied in crop biofortification and phytoremediation. Topics covered here include beneficial and toxic effects of Se on plants, mechanisms of Se accumulation and tolerance in plants and algae, Se hyperaccumulation, and ecological and evolutionary aspects of these processes. Plant species differ in the concentration and forms of Se accumulated, Se partitioning at the whole-plant and tissue levels, and the capacity to distinguish Se from sulfur. Mechanisms of Se hyperaccumulation and its adaptive significance appear to involve constitutive up-regulation of sulfate/selenate uptake and assimilation, associated with elevated concentrations of defense-related hormones. Hyperaccumulation has evolved independently in at least three plant families, probably as an elemental defense mechanism and perhaps mediating elemental allelopathy. Elevated plant Se protects plants from generalist herbivores and pathogens, but also gives rise to the evolution of Se-resistant specialists. Plant Se accumulation affects ecological interactions with herbivores, pollinators, neighboring plants, and microbes. Hyperaccumulation tends to negatively affect Se-sensitive ecological partners while facilitating Se-resistant partners, potentially affecting species composition and Se cycling in seleniferous ecosystems.

Selenium Biofortification and Phytoremediation Phytotechnologies: A Review

The element selenium (Se) is both essential and toxic for most life forms, with a narrow margin between deficiency and toxicity. Phytotechnologies using plants and their associated microbes can address both of these problems. To prevent Se toxicity due to excess environmental Se, plants may be used to phytoremediate Se from soil or water. To alleviate Se deficiency in humans or livestock, crops may be biofortified with Se. These two technologies may also be combined: Se-enriched plant material from phytoremediation could be used as green fertilizer or as fortified food. Plants may also be used to "mine" Se from seleniferous soils. The efficiency of Se phytoremediation and biofortification may be further optimized. Research in the past decades has provided a wealth of knowledge regarding the mechanisms by which plants take up, metabolize, accumulate, and volatilize Se and the role plant-associated microbes play in these processes. Furthermore, ecological studies have revealed important effects of plant Se on interactions with herbivores, detrivores, pollinators, neighboring vegetation, and the plant microbiome. All this knowledge can be exploited in phytotechnology programs to optimize plant Se accumulation, transformation, volatilization, and/or tolerance via plant breeding, genetic engineering, and tailored agronomic practices.

Copper and cobalt accumulation in plants: a critical assessment of the current state of knowledge

This review synthesizes contemporary understanding of copper-cobalt (Cu-Co) tolerance and accumulation in plants. Accumulation of foliar Cu and Co to > 300 μg g^-1 is exceptionally rare globally, and known principally from the Copperbelt of Central Africa. Cobalt accumulation is also observed in a limited number of nickel (Ni) hyperaccumulator plants occurring on ultramafic soils around the world. None of the putative Cu or Co hyperaccumulator plants appears to comply with the fundamental principle of hyperaccumulation, as foliar Cu-Co accumulation is strongly dose-dependent. Abnormally high plant tissue Cu concentrations occur only when plants are exposed to high soil Cu with a low root to shoot translocation factor. Most Cu-tolerant plants are Excluders sensu Baker and therefore setting nominal threshold values for Cu hyperaccumulation is not informative. Abnormal accumulation of Co occurs under similar circumstances in the Copperbelt of Central Africa as well as sporadically in Ni hyperaccumulator plants on ultramafic soils; however, Co-tolerant plants behave physiologically as Indicators sensu Baker. Practical application of Cu-Co accumulator plants in phytomining is limited due to their dose-dependent accumulation characteristics, although for Co field trials may be warranted on highly Co-contaminated mineral wastes because of its relatively high metal value.

Mechanisms of Selenium Enrichment and Measurement in Brassicaceous Vegetables, and Their Application to Human Health

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health. Se deficiency affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries, and there is increasing awareness that suboptimal supply of Se can also negatively affect human health. Selenium enters the diet primarily through the ingestion of plant and animal products. Although, plants are not dependent on Se they take it up from the soil through the sulphur (S) uptake and assimilation pathways. Therefore, geographic differences in the availability of soil Se and agricultural practices have a profound influence on the Se content of many foods, and there are increasing efforts to biofortify crop plants with Se. Plants from the Brassicales are of particular interest as they accumulate and synthesize Se into forms with additional health benefits, such as methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys). The Brassicaceae are also well-known to produce the glucosinolates; S-containing compounds with demonstrated human health value. Furthermore, the recent discovery of the selenoglucosinolates in the Brassicaceae raises questions regarding their potential bioefficacy. In this review we focus on Se uptake and metabolism in the Brassicaceae in the context of human health, particularly cancer prevention and immunity. We investigate the close relationship between Se and S metabolism in this plant family, with particular emphasis on the selenoglucosinolates, and consider the methodologies available for identifying and quantifying further novel Se-containing compounds in plants. Finally, we summarize the research of multiple groups investigating biofortification of the Brassicaceae and discuss which approaches might be most successful for supplying Se deficient populations in the future.

Tolerance and hyperaccumulation of cadmium by a wild, unpalatable herb Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm. (Brassicaceae)

The potential of a wild, unpalatable plant Coronopus didymus was investigated for the first time in terms of its capability to tolerate and accumulate cadmium (Cd) for phytoremediation purposes. A screenhouse experiment for 6 weeks was conducted to evaluate the effect of Cd from 100 to 400mgkg^-1 on growth, biomass, photosynthetic apparatus, Cd uptake and accumulation in C. didymus plants. Application of Cd facilitates the growth of the plants whereas at higher levels a slight reduction was noticed. The concentration of Cd in roots and shoots reached a maximum of 867.2 and 864.5mgkg^-1 DW respectively, at 400mgkg^-1Cd treatment. Cd exposure increased the generation of superoxide anion (O₂^•-), H₂O₂ content, MDA level and antioxidative response (SOD, CAT and POD) in roots and shoots of C. didymus. However, a slight decline in SOD and CAT activities were noticed in roots at highest Cd treatment (400mgkg^-1). The bioconcentration (BCF) values for all the concentrations were ˃1 and the translocation factor (TF) values were ˂ 1 at lower level but reached 1 at highest Cd concentration. Thus, C. didymus satisfies the conditions required for hyperaccumulator plants and may be practically employed to alleviate Cd from contaminated soils.

Calcium Deficiency Triggers Phloem Remobilization of Cadmium in a Hyperaccumulating Species

Understanding cadmium (Cd) accumulation in plants is critical for the development of plant-based strategies for soil remediation and crop safety. Sedum alfredii is a nonbrassica plant species known to hyperaccumulate Cd. The characteristics of Cd uptake, distribution, and retranslocation affected by the Ca status were investigated at cellular levels in S. alfredii Low Ca supply significantly increased Cd contents in shoots of S. alfredii, particularly in the young leaves. Micro x-ray fluorescence images confirmed that sequestration of Cd was greatly enhanced in the young leaves under Ca deficiency stress, with a significant amount of Cd localized in mesophyll cells, compared to the young leaves supplied with high Ca levels. Cd influx into protoplasts isolated from young leaves was significantly inhibited by the addition of Ca channel inhibitors, but not by pre-exposure to Ca deficiency. In stems, the Cd signal in vascular systems under low Ca levels was 10-fold higher than in those treated with higher Ca levels. A detailed investigation of vascular bundles revealed that an extremely high Cd signal induced by low Ca supply occurred in the phloem tissues, but not in the xylem tissues. Transfer of Cd pretreated plants to nutrient solutions at different Ca levels confirmed that a much higher amount of Cd was reallocated to the new growth tissues under low Ca stress compared to plants supplied with sufficient Ca. These results suggest that Ca deficiency triggered a highly efficient phloem remobilization of Cd in S. alfredii and subsequently enhanced Cd accumulation in its young leaves.

Endophytic Phytoaugmentation: Treating Wastewater and Runoff Through Augmented Phytoremediation

Limited options exist for efficiently and effectively treating water runoff from agricultural fields and landfills. Traditional treatments include excavation, transport to landfills, incineration, stabilization, and vitrification. In general, treatment options relying on biological methods such as bioremediation have the ability to be applied in situ and offer a sustainable remedial option with a lower environmental impact and reduced long-term operating expenses. These methods are generally considered ecologically friendly, particularly when compared to traditional physicochemical cleanup options. Phytoremediation, which relies on plants to take up and/or transform the contaminant of interest, is another alternative treatment method which has been developed. However, phytoremediation is not widely used, largely due to its low treatment efficiency. Endophytic phytoaugmentation is a variation on phytoremediation that relies on augmenting the phytoremediating plants with exogenous strains to stimulate associated plant-microbe interactions to facilitate and improve remediation efficiency. In this review, we offer a summary of the current knowledge as well as developments in endophytic phytoaugmentation and present some potential future applications for this technology. There has been a limited number of published endophytic phytoaugmentation case studies and much remains to be done to transition lab-scale results to field applications. Future research needs include large-scale endophytic phytoaugmentation experiments as well as the development of more exhaustive tools for monitoring plant-microbe-pollutant interactions.

Selenium accumulation by plants

BACKGROUND

Selenium (Se) is an essential mineral element for animals and humans, which they acquire largely from plants. The Se concentration in edible plants is determined by the Se phytoavailability in soils. Selenium is not an essential element for plants, but excessive Se can be toxic. Thus, soil Se phytoavailability determines the ecology of plants. Most plants cannot grow on seleniferous soils. Most plants that grow on seleniferous soils accumulate <100 mg Se kg(-1) dry matter and cannot tolerate greater tissue Se concentrations. However, some plant species have evolved tolerance to Se, and commonly accumulate tissue Se concentrations >100 mg Se kg(-1) dry matter. These plants are considered to be Se accumulators. Some species can even accumulate Se concentrations of 1000-15 000 mg Se kg(-1 )dry matter and are called Se hyperaccumulators.

SCOPE

This article provides an overview of Se uptake, translocation and metabolism in plants and highlights the possible genetic basis of differences in these between and within plant species. The review focuses initially on adaptations allowing plants to tolerate large Se concentrations in their tissues and the evolutionary origin of species that hyperaccumulate Se. It then describes the variation in tissue Se concentrations between and within angiosperm species and identifies genes encoding enzymes limiting the rates of incorporation of Se into organic compounds and chromosomal loci that might enable the development of crops with greater Se concentrations in their edible portions. Finally, it discusses transgenic approaches enabling plants to tolerate greater Se concentrations in the rhizosphere and in their tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

The trait of Se hyperaccumulation has evolved several times in separate angiosperm clades. The ability to tolerate large tissue Se concentrations is primarily related to the ability to divert Se away from the accumulation of selenocysteine and selenomethionine, which might be incorporated into non-functional proteins, through the synthesis of less toxic Se metabilites. There is potential to breed or select crops with greater Se concentrations in their edible tissues, which might be used to increase dietary Se intakes of animals and humans.

Assessment of the root system of Brassica juncea (L.) czern. and Bidens pilosa L. exposed to lead polluted soils using rhizobox systems

The purpose of this study was to compare the behavior of the root system of one of the most frequently cited species in phytoremediation Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.] and a representative perennial herb (Bidens pilosa L.) native of Argentina, for different concentrations of lead in soils through chemical and visualization techniques of the rhizosphere. Lead polluted soils from the vicinity of a lead recycling plant in the locality of Bouwer, were used in juxtaposed rhizobox systems planted with seedlings of B. juncea and B. pilosa with homogeneous and heterogeneous soil treatments. Root development, pH changes in the rhizosphere, dry weight biomass, lead content of root and aerial parts and potential extraction of lead by rhizosphere exudates were determined. In both species lead was mainly accumulated in roots. However, although B. juncea accumulated more lead than B. pilosa at elevated concentrations in soils, the latter achieved greater root and aerial development. No changes in the pH of the rhizosphere associated to lead were observed, despite different extractive potentials of lead in the exudates of the species analyzed. Our results indicated that Indian mustard did not behave as a hyperaccumulator in the conditions of the present study.

Mixed planting with a leguminous plant outperforms bacteria in promoting growth of a metal remediating plant through histidine synthesis

The effectiveness of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) in improving metal phytoremediation is still limited by stunted plant growth under high soil metal concentrations. Meanwhile, mixed planting with leguminous plants is known to improve yield in nutrient deficient soils but the use of a metal tolerant legume to enhance metal tolerance of a phytoremediator has not been explored. We compared the use of Pseudomonas brassicacearum, Rhizobium leguminosarum, and the metal tolerant leguminous plant Vicia sativa to promote the growth of Brassica juncea in soil contaminated with 400 mg Zn kg(-1), and used synchrotron based microfocus X-ray absorption spectroscopy to probe Zn speciation in plant roots. B. juncea grew better when planted with V. sativa than when inoculated with PGPB. By combining PGPB with mixed planting, B. juncea recovered full growth while also achieving soil remediation efficiency of >75%, the maximum ever demonstrated for B. juncea. μXANES analysis of V. sativa suggested possible root exudation of the Zn chelates histidine and cysteine were responsible for reducing Zn toxicity. We propose the exploration of a legume-assisted-phytoremediation system as a more effective alternative to PGPB for Zn bioremediation.

Role of transpiration in arsenic accumulation of hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata L

Mechanisms of Pteris vittata L. to hyperaccumulate arsenic (As), especially the efficient translocation of As from rhizoids to fronds, are not clear yet. The present study aims to investigate the role of transpiration in the accumulation of As from the aspects of transpiration regulation and ecotypic difference. Results showed that As accumulation of P. vittata increased proportionally with an increase in the As exposure concentration. Lowering the transpiration rate by 28∼67% decreased the shoot As concentration by 19∼56%. Comparison of As distribution under normal treatment and shade treatment indicated that transpiration determines the distribution pattern of As in pinnae. In terms of the ecotypic difference, the P. vittata ecotype from moister and warmer habitat had 40% higher transpiration and correspondingly 40% higher shoot As concentration than the ecotype from drier and cooler habitat. Results disclosed that transpiration is the main driver for P. vittata to accumulate and re-distribute As in pinnae.

Got to hide your Zn away: Molecular control of Zn accumulation and biotechnological applications

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for all organisms, with key catalytic and structural functions. Zn deficiency in plants, common in alkaline soils, results in growth arrest and sterility. On the other hand, Zn can become toxic at elevated concentrations. Several studies revealed molecules involved with metal acquisition in roots, distribution within the plant and translocation to seeds. Transmembrane Zn transport proteins and Zn chelators are involved in avoiding its toxic effects. Plant species with the capacity to hyperaccumulate and hypertolerate Zn have been characterized. Plants that accumulate and tolerate high amounts of Zn and produce abundant biomass may be useful for phytoremediation, allowing cleaning of metal-contaminated soils. The study of Zn hyperaccumulators may provide indications of genes and processes useful for biofortification, for developing crops with high amounts of nutrients in edible tissues. Future research needs to focus on functional characterization of Zn transporters in planta, elucidation of Zn uptake and sensing mechanisms, and on understanding the cross-talk between Zn homeostasis and other physiological processes. For this, new research should use multidisciplinary approaches, combining traditional and emerging techniques, such as genome-encoded metal sensors and multi-element imaging, quantification and speciation using synchrotron-based methods.

NaCl alleviates Cd toxicity by changing its chemical forms of accumulation in the halophyte Sesuvium portulacastrum

It has previously been shown that certain halophytes can grow and produce biomass despite of the contamination of their saline biotopes with toxic metals. This suggests that these plants are able to cope with both salinity and heavy metal constraints. NaCl is well tolerated by halophytes and apparently can modulate their responses to Cd. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study explores the impact of NaCl on growth, Cd accumulation, and Cd speciation in tissues of the halophyte Sesuvium portulacastrum. Seedlings of S. portulacastrum were exposed during 1 month to 0, 25, and 50 μM Cd combined with low salinity (LS, 0.09 mM NaCl) or high salinity (HS, 200 mM NaCl) levels. Growth parameters and total tissue Cd concentrations were determined, in leaves, stems, and root. Moreover, Cd speciation in these organs was assessed by specific extraction procedures. Results showed that, at LS, Cd induced chlorosis and necrosis and drastically reduced plant growth. However, addition of 200 mM NaCl to Cd containing medium alleviated significantly Cd toxicity symptoms and restored plant growth. NaCl reduced the concentration of Cd in the shoots; nevertheless, due to maintenance of higher biomass under HS, the quantity of accumulated Cd was not modified. NaCl modified the chemical form of Cd in the tissues by increasing the proportion of Cd bound to pectates, proteins, and chloride suggesting that this change in speciation is involved in the positive impact of NaCl on Cd tolerance. We concluded that the tolerance of S. portulacastrum to Cd was enhanced by NaCl. This effect is rather governed by the modification of the speciation of the accumulated Cd than by the reduction of Cd absorption and translocation.

Iron- and manganese-assisted cadmium tolerance in Oryza sativa L.: lowering of rhizotoxicity next to functional photosynthesis

Cadmium toxicity is alleviated by iron and manganese supplements because of reduction in cadmium accumulation and upholding of redox regulation that prevent cadmium-inducible damage to root growth and photosynthesis. Cadmium toxicity in Oryza sativa L. MTU 7029 was investigated in the presence of different concentrations of the micronutrients Fe and Mn. It had been observed that these micronutrients reduce Cd uptake and minimize Cd-inducible rhizotoxicity. The photosynthetic electron transport chain, which is the hub of Fe containing metalloproteins, was severely affected by Cd and resulted in reduced bioproductivity under Cd stress. However, exogenous Fe restored the photosynthetic electron transport. Thus, due to the maintenance of the photosynthetic electron transport, the Cd tolerance was improved during Fe supplement. Both antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidant metabolites were found to play important roles in the alleviation of Cd stress under Fe or Mn supplement. It is concluded that the presence of excess Fe and Mn protects rice plants from Cd stress.

Selenium cycling across soil-plant-atmosphere interfaces: a critical review

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for humans and animals, which occurs ubiquitously in the environment. It is present in trace amounts in both organic and inorganic forms in marine and freshwater systems, soils, biomass and in the atmosphere. Low Se levels in certain terrestrial environments have resulted in Se deficiency in humans, while elevated Se levels in waters and soils can be toxic and result in the death of aquatic wildlife and other animals. Human dietary Se intake is largely governed by Se concentrations in plants, which are controlled by root uptake of Se as a function of soil Se concentrations, speciation and bioavailability. In addition, plants and microorganisms can biomethylate Se, which can result in a loss of Se to the atmosphere. The mobilization of Se across soil-plant-atmosphere interfaces is thus of crucial importance for human Se status. This review gives an overview of current knowledge on Se cycling with a specific focus on soil-plant-atmosphere interfaces. Sources, speciation and mobility of Se in soils and plants will be discussed as well as Se hyperaccumulation by plants, biofortification and biomethylation. Future research on Se cycling in the environment is essential to minimize the adverse health effects associated with unsafe environmental Se levels.

Salt tolerance is evolutionarily labile in a diverse set of angiosperm families

Background

Salt tolerance in plants is rare, yet it is found across a diverse set of taxonomic groups. This suggests that, although salt tolerance often involves a set of complex traits, it has evolved many times independently in different angiosperm lineages. However, the pattern of evolution of salt tolerance can vary dramatically between families. A recent phylogenetic study of the Chenopodiaceae (goosefoot family) concluded that salt tolerance has a conserved evolutionary pattern, being gained early in the evolution of the lineage then retained by most species in the family. Conversely, a phylogenetic study of the Poaceae (grass family) suggested over 70 independent gains of salt tolerance, most giving rise to only one or a few salt tolerant species. Here, we use a phylogenetic approach to explore the macroevolutionary patterns of salt tolerance in a sample of angiosperm families, in order to ask whether either of these two patterns – deep and conserved or shallow and labile - represents a common mode of salt tolerance evolution. We analyze the distribution of halophyte species across the angiosperms and identify families with more or less halophytes than expected under a random model. Then, we explore the phylogenetic distribution of halophytes in 22 families using phylogenetic comparative methods.

Results

We find that salt tolerance species have been reported from over one-third of angiosperm families, but that salt tolerant species are not distributed evenly across angiosperm families. We find that salt tolerance has been gained hundreds of times over the history of the angiosperms. In a few families, we find deep and conserved gains of salt tolerance, but in the majority of families analyzed, we find that the pattern of salt tolerant species is best explained by multiple independent gains that occur near the tips of the phylogeny and often give rise to only one or a few halophytes.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the pattern of many independent gains of salt tolerance near the tips of the phylogeny is found in many angiosperm families. This suggests that the pattern reported in the grasses of high evolutionary lability may be a common feature of salt tolerance evolution in angiosperms.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-015-0379-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Symphyotrichum ericoides populations from seleniferous and nonseleniferous soil display striking variation in selenium accumulation

Symphyotrichum ericoides (Asteraceae) from naturally seleniferous habitat (Pine Ridge) was shown previously to have selenium (Se) hyperaccumulator properties in field and glasshouse studies, and to benefit from Se through protection from herbivory. To investigate whether Se hyperaccumulation is ubiquitous in S. ericoides or restricted to seleniferous soils, the S. ericoides Pine Ridge (PR) population was compared with the nearby Cloudy Pass (CP) population from nonseleniferous soil. The S. ericoidesPR and CP populations were strikingly physiologically different: in a common garden experiment, PR plants accumulated up to 40-fold higher Se concentrations than CP plants and had 10-fold higher Se : sulfur (S) ratios. Moreover, roots of S. ericoidesPR plants showed directional growth toward selenate, while CP roots did not. Growth of both accessions responded positively to Se. Each accession grew best on its own soil. Rhizosphere soil inoculum from the S. ericoidesPR population stimulated plant growth and Se accumulation in both S. ericoidesPR and S. ericoidesCP plants, on both PR and CP soils. While the S. ericoidesPR population hyperaccumulates Se, the nearby CP population does not. The capacity of S. ericoidesPR plants to hyperaccumulate Se appears to be a local phenomenon that is restricted to seleniferous soil. Mutualistic rhizosphere microbes of the S. ericoidesPR population may contribute to the hyperaccumulation phenotype.

Selenium hyperaccumulators harbor a diverse endophytic bacterial community characterized by high selenium resistance and plant growth promoting properties

Selenium (Se)-rich plants may be used to provide dietary Se to humans and livestock, and also to clean up Se-polluted soils or waters. This study focused on endophytic bacteria of plants that hyperaccumulate selenium (Se) to 0.5-1% of dry weight. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis was used to compare the diversity of endophytic bacteria of hyperaccumulators Stanleya pinnata (Brassicaceae) and Astragalus bisulcatus (Fabaceae) with those from related non-accumulators Physaria bellii (Brassicaceae) and Medicago sativa (Fabaceae) collected on the same, seleniferous site. Hyperaccumulators and non-accumulators showed equal T-RF diversity. Parsimony analysis showed that T-RFs from individuals of the same species were more similar to each other than to those from other species, regardless of plant Se content or spatial proximity. Cultivable endophytes from hyperaccumulators S. pinnata and A. bisulcatus were further identified and characterized. The 66 bacterial morphotypes were shown by MS MALDI-TOF Biotyper analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to include strains of Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Pantoea, Staphylococcus, Paenibacillus, Advenella, Arthrobacter, and Variovorax. Most isolates were highly resistant to selenate and selenite (up to 200 mM) and all could reduce selenite to red elemental Se, reduce nitrite and produce siderophores. Seven isolates were selected for plant inoculation and found to have plant growth promoting properties, both in pure culture and when co-cultivated with crop species Brassica juncea (Brassicaceae) or M. sativa. There were no effects on plant Se accumulation. We conclude that Se hyperaccumulators harbor an endophytic bacterial community in their natural seleniferous habitat that is equally diverse to that of comparable non-accumulators. The hyperaccumulator endophytes are characterized by high Se resistance, capacity to produce elemental Se and plant growth promoting properties.

Evolution of selenium hyperaccumulation in Stanleya (Brassicaceae) as inferred from phylogeny, physiology and X-ray microprobe analysis

Past studies have identified herbivory as a likely selection pressure for the evolution of hyperaccumulation, but few have tested the origin(s) of hyperaccumulation in a phylogenetic context. We focused on the evolutionary history of selenium (Se) hyperaccumulation in Stanleya (Brassicaceae). Multiple accessions were collected for all Stanleya taxa and two outgroup species. We sequenced four nuclear gene regions and performed a phylogenetic analysis. Ancestral reconstruction was used to predict the states for Se-related traits in a parsimony framework. Furthermore, we tested the taxa for Se localization and speciation using X-ray microprobe analyses. True hyperaccumulation was found in three taxa within the S. pinnata/bipinnata clade. Tolerance to hyperaccumulator Se concentrations was found in several taxa across the phylogeny, including the hyperaccumulators. X-ray analysis revealed two distinct patterns of leaf Se localization across the genus: marginal and vascular. All taxa accumulated predominantly (65-96%) organic Se with the C-Se-C configuration. These results give insight into the evolution of Se hyperaccumulation in Stanleya and suggest that Se tolerance and the capacity to produce organic Se are likely prerequisites for Se hyperaccumulation in Stanleya.

Pteris vittata continuously removed arsenic from non-labile fraction in three contaminated-soils during 3.5 years of phytoextraction

We evaluated the effectiveness of arsenic (As) hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata to continuously remove As from three contaminated-soils containing 26-126mgkg(-1) As over 7 harvests in 3.5 years. Changes in As speciation in soils, amended with P fertilizer (P-soil) or insoluble phosphate rock (PR-soil), were assessed via sequential fractionation. Arsenic in available (soluble+exchangeable), non-labile (bound to amorphous+crystalline Fe/Al oxides), and residual fractions constituted ∼12%, ∼80%, and ∼8% of soil As. Soluble As declined while exchangeable As was unchanged, likely due to replenishment from non-labile As, which accounted for ∼87% of decline in total soil As. Although plant-available As is important, the non-labile As better predicted the frond As concentration in P. vittata, with the correlation being r=0.90 and 0.64 for PR-soils and P-soils. P. vittata removed 44% of soil As from PR-soils compared to 33% from P-soils, suggesting the low-soluble P from PR was more effective than P fertilizer in enhancing As uptake by P. vittata. To facilitate acquisition of P from PR, P. vittata produced larger root biomass to solubilize non-labile As, allowing for more efficient phytoextraction.

Rinorea niccolifera (Violaceae), a new, nickel-hyperaccumulating species from Luzon Island, Philippines

A new, nickel-hyperaccumulating species of Rinorea (Violaceae), Rinorea niccolifera Fernando, from Luzon Island, Philippines, is described and illustrated. This species is most similar to the widespread Rinorea bengalensis by its fasciculate inflorescences and smooth subglobose fruits with 3 seeds, but it differs by its glabrous ovary with shorter style (5 mm long), the summit of the staminal tube sinuate to entire and the outer surface smooth, generally smaller leaves (3-8 cm long × 2-3 cm wide), and smaller fruits (0.6-0.8 cm diameter). Rinorea niccolifera accumulates to >18,000 µg g(-1) of nickel in its leaf tissues and is thus regarded as a Ni hyperaccumulator.

Characterization of selenium and sulfur accumulation across the genus Stanleya (Brassicaceae): A field survey and common-garden experiment

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PREMISE OF STUDY

Selenium (Se) hyperaccumulation, the capacity to concentrate the toxic element Se above 1000 mg·kg(-1)·dry mass, is found in relatively few taxa native to seleniferous soils. While Se hyperaccumulation has been shown to likely be an adaptation that protects plants from herbivory, its evolutionary history remains unstudied. Stanleya (Brassicaceae) is a small genus comprising seven species endemic to the western United States. Stanleya pinnata is a hyperaccumulator of selenium (Se). In this study we investigated to what extent other Stanleya taxa accumulate Se both in the field and a greenhouse setting on seleniferous soil.•

METHODS

We collected multiple populations of six of the seven species and all four varieties of S. pinnata We tested leaves, fruit, and soil for in situ Se and sulfur (S) concentrations. The seeds collected in the field were used for a common garden study in a greenhouse.•

KEY RESULTS

We found that S. pinnata var. pinnata is the only hyperaccumulator of Se. Within S. pinnata var. pinnata, we found a geographic pattern related to Se hyperaccumulation where the highest accumulating populations are found on the eastern side of the continental divide. We also found differences in genome size within the S. pinnata species complex.•

CONCLUSIONS

The S. pinnata species complex has a range of physiological properties making it an attractive system to study the evolution of Se hyperaccumulation. Beyond the basic scientific value of understanding the evolution of this fascinating trait, we can potentially use S. pinnata or its genes for environmental cleanup and/or nutrient-enhanced dietary material.