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Plants
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Heavy Metal Pollution and Plants Growth
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Heavy Metal Pollution and Plants Growth

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant–Soil Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2021) | Viewed by 29994

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Domenico Morabito

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Guest Editor
Université d'Orléans, LBLGC INRA USC1328, rue de Chartres, BP 6759, CEDEX 2, 45067 Orléans, France
Interests: proteomic response to abiotic stresses; phytomanagement; metal(loid) pollution; tree physiology; ecotoxicology; biochar
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Sylvain Bourgerie

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Université d'Orléans, LBLGC INRA USC1328, rue de Chartres, BP 6759, CEDEX 2, 45067 Orléans, France
Interests: biochemistry and molecular biology; eco-restoration; soil microbiology; metal(loid) transfer; bioaccumulation; biochar
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Manhattan Lebrun

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR ECOSYS, Université Paris-Saclay, 78850 Thiverval-Grignon, France
Interests: soil pollution; plant and root development; biogeochemical and microbiological processes; plant metal(loid)s accumulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Soils naturally contain metallic trace elements, from the pedogenic processes of weathering of parent materials and atmospheric fallout of natural origin. Most often, their concentrations in soil are so low that they are not unfavorable to plant growth. However, pollution of soils by metal(loid)s can result from anthropogenic activities, which are an important issue and subject of research today. Such pollution has risen sharply with the development of human activities such as mining, industries, fertilization, etc. and has become one of the main threats to soil. In order to allow plant growth on these polluted soils and the development of strategies to enhance these marginal soils by phytomanagement, it is important to understand the tolerance mechanisms that plants develop in the soil–plant continuum from the rhizospheric zone to the aerial parts. Plants are thus capable, on one hand, of modifying the characteristics of the soil, particularly in the vicinity of the root system, in order to promote the development of the microbial biomass that acts on the availability of metals and metalloids, and an in-depth knowledge of root systems for the sorption of metals and metalloids as well as of plant resistance mechanisms will enable us to understand how plants can grow and survive in such polluted areas. On the other hand, a better knowledge of the mechanisms associated with tolerance strategies such as the exclusion of metals and metalloids or their accumulation in roots or aerial parts within specific compartments is needed. All of this knowledge will help us to select plant species that are suitable to grow on metal(loid)s polluted soils and thus to restore abandoned areas that are a risk to the environment and public health.

Dr. Domenico Morabito
Dr. Sylvain Bourgerie
Dr. Manhattan Lebrun
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Phytomanagement
  • Metal(loid)s
  • Root system
  • Tolerance mechanisms
  • Metal(loid)s accumulation
  • Woody plant
  • Crops
  • Metal transfer
  • Plant growth

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1268 KiB  
Article
The Potential of Clover Green Amendment, Associated with Biochar, Activated Carbon or Ochre, for the Phytoremediation, Using Populus x. canescens, of a Former Mine Technosol
by Manhattan Lebrun, Sylvain Bourgerie and Domenico Morabito
Plants 2021, 10(7), 1374; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071374 - 05 Jul 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1803
Abstract
Metal(loid) soil pollution resulting from past and present mine activities is a serious environmental and health issues worldwide. Therefore, the remediation of those polluted areas has been a growing research interest over the last decades, especially the assisted phytoremediation. In this study, a [...] Read more.
Metal(loid) soil pollution resulting from past and present mine activities is a serious environmental and health issues worldwide. Therefore, the remediation of those polluted areas has been a growing research interest over the last decades, especially the assisted phytoremediation. In this study, a pot experiment was set up, using a former mine technosol, highly polluted by As and Pb, to which biochar, activated carbon, or ochre was applied, alone or in combination to clover green amendment. Following amendment application, Populus x. canescens cuttings were planted. Results showed that all four amendments reduced soil acidity. However only the first three amendments immobilized As and Pb, while the green amendment drastically mobilized those two pollutants and none of the amendments improved plant growth. In conclusion, the association of clover green amendment to biochar, activated carbon, or ochre did not appear as an efficient remediation strategy in this case; although the aging of the amendments and degradation of the green amendment in the soil with time could have positive outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Pollution and Plants Growth)
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23 pages, 3986 KiB  
Article
Accumulation of As, Ag, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn by Native Plants Growing in Soils Contaminated by Mining Environmental Liabilities in the Peruvian Andes
by Edith Cruzado-Tafur, Katarzyna Bierla, Lisard Torró and Joanna Szpunar
Plants 2021, 10(2), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10020241 - 27 Jan 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3986
Abstract
The capability of native plant species grown in polluted post-mining soils to accumulate metals was evaluated in view of their possible suitability for phytoremediation. The study areas included two environmental liabilities in the Cajamarca region in the Peruvian Andes. The content of As, [...] Read more.
The capability of native plant species grown in polluted post-mining soils to accumulate metals was evaluated in view of their possible suitability for phytoremediation. The study areas included two environmental liabilities in the Cajamarca region in the Peruvian Andes. The content of As, Ag, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn was determined in individual plant organs and correlated with soil characteristics. The degree of the pollution depended on the metal with results ranging from uncontaminated (Cd) to moderately (Zn), strongly (As, Cu), and extremely contaminated (Pb, Ag) soils. The metals were mainly present in the fractions with limited metal mobility. The bioaccumulation of the metals in plants as well the translocation into overground organs was determined. Out of the 21 plants evaluated, Pernettya prostrata and Gaultheria glomerate were suitable for Zn, and Gaultheria glomerata and Festuca sp. for Cd, phytostabilization. The native species applicable for Cd phytoremediation were Ageratina glechonophylla, Bejaria sp., whereas Pernettya prostrata Achyrocline alata,Ageratina fastigiate, Baccharis alnifolia, Calceolaria tetragona, Arenaria digyna, Hypericum laricifolium, Brachyotum radula, and Nicotiana thyrsiflora were suitable for both Cd and Zn. None of the studied plants appeared to be suitable for phytoremediation of Pb, Cu, As and Ag. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Pollution and Plants Growth)
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13 pages, 1164 KiB  
Article
Physiological and Biochemical Response of Alternanthera bettzickiana (Regel) G. Nicholson under Acetic Acid Assisted Phytoextraction of Lead
by Urousa Latif, Mujahid Farid, Muhammad Rizwan, Hafiz Khuzama Ishaq, Sheharyaar Farid, Shafaqat Ali, Mohamed A. El-Sheikh, Mohammed Nasser Alyemeni and Leonard Wijaya
Plants 2020, 9(9), 1084; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9091084 - 24 Aug 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2823
Abstract
Heavy metals (HMs) stress causes severe damage to physiology and biochemistry of plant species leading to stunted growth and low yield. Phytoremediation via phytoextraction, a viable low-cost and environment-friendly alternative to other techniques that are often too expensive, impractical and hazardous. However, phytoextraction [...] Read more.
Heavy metals (HMs) stress causes severe damage to physiology and biochemistry of plant species leading to stunted growth and low yield. Phytoremediation via phytoextraction, a viable low-cost and environment-friendly alternative to other techniques that are often too expensive, impractical and hazardous. However, phytoextraction potential, physiological and biochemical response of various plant species against HMs stress is not fully understood. Among other HMs, lead (Pb) is an inorganic pollutant with deleterious biotic effects. Bioavailability and mobility of the Pb can be enhanced by addition of organic acids. A pot scale experiment was done to assess the effects of Pb on Alternanthera bettzickiana (Regel) G. Nicholson and its ability to accumulate Pb with or without acetic acid (AA). The Results showed that Pb caused significant damage in A. bettzickiana, and its ecotoxicity was evident from increased levels of lipid peroxidation up to 107% under Pb stress. The significant decrease in plant height (32%), root length (21%), leaf area (38%) and number of leaves per plant (46%) was observed. On the other hand, application of AA to Pb stressed plants reduced the oxidative damage by further enhancing the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalases (CAT) up to 16% and 21% respectively. Moreover, addition of AA significantly improved plant total chlorophylls (15%) and carotenoids (50%). The application of AA also promoted Pb accumulation in leaf, stem and roots up to 70%, 65% and 66% respectively. This research concluded that AA has the ability to enhance the phytoextraction of Pb and support the plant growth and physiology under Pb stress condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Pollution and Plants Growth)
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13 pages, 651 KiB  
Article
Arsenic Uptake by Two Tolerant Grass Species: Holcus lanatus and Agrostis capillaris Growing in Soils Contaminated by Historical Mining
by Agnieszka Dradrach, Anna Karczewska and Katarzyna Szopka
Plants 2020, 9(8), 980; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9080980 - 01 Aug 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2258
Abstract
The study focused on two grass species Holcus lanatus and Agrostis capillaris abundant in the sites of former As mining and processing in the Sudetes. Arsenic uptake from soils was examined to assess a risk associated with its accumulation in grass shoots and [...] Read more.
The study focused on two grass species Holcus lanatus and Agrostis capillaris abundant in the sites of former As mining and processing in the Sudetes. Arsenic uptake from soils was examined to assess a risk associated with its accumulation in grass shoots and to check its dependence on soil fertilization. The research involved a field study and greenhouse experiment. In the field study, soil and plant samples were collected from 33 sites with 72–98,400 mg/kg total soil As. Arsenic uptake by grasses differed widely. Both species indicated a strategy typical for eliminators, although As concentrations in more than 50% of the shoot samples exceeded 4 mg/kg, a maximum permissible value for fodder. In the greenhouse experiment, commercial cultivars of both species were grown in five soils containing 394–19,600 mg/kg, untreated and fertilized. All seedlings died in the soil with highest total As, and considerable phytotoxicity was observed in other soils, particularly in nonfertilized ones. Fertilization resulted in the improvement of plant growth and reduction of As uptake except for Agrostis capillaris fertilized with manure. Further research should focus on identifying tolerant genotypes growing in extremely enriched sites and analysis of factors that will efficiently reduce As phytoaccumulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Pollution and Plants Growth)
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18 pages, 2776 KiB  
Article
Quantifying Metal Contamination and Potential Uptake by Phragmites australis Adans. (Poaceae) Along a Subtropical River System
by Ndivhuwo R. Netshiongolwe, Ross N. Cuthbert, Mokgale M. Maenetje, Lenin D. Chari, Samuel N. Motitsoe, Ryan J. Wasserman, Linton F. Munyai and Tatenda Dalu
Plants 2020, 9(7), 846; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9070846 - 04 Jul 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3606
Abstract
Metal pollution is pervasive across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems owing to anthropogenic activities. Sediments can accrue high concentrations of metals and act as secondary sources, and thus may be valuable indicators of metal contamination across spatiotemporal scales. In aquatic systems, the extent of [...] Read more.
Metal pollution is pervasive across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems owing to anthropogenic activities. Sediments can accrue high concentrations of metals and act as secondary sources, and thus may be valuable indicators of metal contamination across spatiotemporal scales. In aquatic systems, the extent of metal pollution may be further mediated by transference among sediments and living organisms, with plant metal contaminants potentially predictive of underlying sediment concentrations. The present study thus quantifies the extent of metal pollutants (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn, B, Fe) across multiple study sites and seasons (cool-dry, hot-wet, hot-dry) in a subtropical river system. Furthermore, uptake by a key macrophyte species, Phragmites australis, was examined and correlated with sediment pollution levels among different plant parts. Overall, sediment pollution load indices differed seasonally, being significantly highest during the cool-dry season irrespective of sampling location, suggesting that periods with reduced water flows can exacerbate metal pollution levels in riverine sediments. Also, metal concentrations were highest in upstream wetland sites, indicating a capacity for metal sink effects in these areas. Overall, macrophytes contained high concentrations of select metals, however composition and concentrations differed across plant parts, with roots containing particularly high concentrations of Fe and B. Correlations between sediment and macrophyte concentrations were mostly non-significant, whilst stem Mn and Fe concentrations correlated significantly negatively and positively to sediment concentrations, respectively. The present study identifies key spatiotemporal differences in multiple metal contaminants in an understudied subtropical aquatic system that align with hydrological regime differences. Whilst macrophytes were not found to be major accumulators, or predictors, of metal contaminants in this study, they may collectively play a central role in concentration regulation in aquatic systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Pollution and Plants Growth)
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Review

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29 pages, 1359 KiB  
Review
Understanding Potential Heavy Metal Contamination, Absorption, Translocation and Accumulation in Rice and Human Health Risks
by Zuliana Zakaria, Nur Syahirah Zulkafflee, Nurul Adillah Mohd Redzuan, Jinap Selamat, Mohd Razi Ismail, Sarva Mangala Praveena, Gergely Tóth and Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061070 - 26 May 2021
Cited by 77 | Viewed by 8704
Abstract
Rice is a worldwide staple food and heavy metal contamination is often reported in rice production. Heavy metal can originate from natural sources or be present through anthropogenic contamination. Therefore, this review summarizes the current status of heavy metal contamination in paddy soil [...] Read more.
Rice is a worldwide staple food and heavy metal contamination is often reported in rice production. Heavy metal can originate from natural sources or be present through anthropogenic contamination. Therefore, this review summarizes the current status of heavy metal contamination in paddy soil and plants, highlighting the mechanism of uptake, bioaccumulation, and health risk assessment. A scoping search employing Google Scholar, Science Direct, Research Gate, Scopus, and Wiley Online was carried out to build up the review using the following keywords: heavy metals, absorption, translocation, accumulation, uptake, biotransformation, rice, and human risk with no restrictions being placed on the year of study. Cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb) have been identified as the most prevalent metals in rice cultivation. Mining and irrigation activities are primary sources, but chemical fertilizer and pesticide usage also contribute to heavy metal contamination of paddy soil worldwide. Further to their adverse effect on the paddy ecosystem by reducing the soil fertility and grain yield, heavy metal contamination represents a risk to human health. An in-depth discussion is further offered on health risk assessments by quantitative measurement to identify potential risk towards heavy metal exposure via rice consumption, which consisted of in vitro digestion models through a vital ingestion portion of rice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Pollution and Plants Growth)
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26 pages, 1747 KiB  
Review
Decoding Heavy Metal Stress Signalling in Plants: Towards Improved Food Security and Safety
by Marshall Keyster, Lee-Ann Niekerk, Gerhard Basson, Mogamat Carelse, Olalekan Bakare, Ndiko Ludidi, Ashwil Klein, Lukhanyo Mekuto and Arun Gokul
Plants 2020, 9(12), 1781; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9121781 - 16 Dec 2020
Cited by 49 | Viewed by 5344
Abstract
The mining of heavy metals from the environment leads to an increase in soil pollution, leading to the uptake of heavy metals into plant tissue. The build-up of toxic metals in plant cells often leads to cellular damage and senescence. Therefore, it is [...] Read more.
The mining of heavy metals from the environment leads to an increase in soil pollution, leading to the uptake of heavy metals into plant tissue. The build-up of toxic metals in plant cells often leads to cellular damage and senescence. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to produce plants with improved tolerance to heavy metals for food security, as well as to limit heavy metal uptake for improved food safety purposes. To achieve this goal, our understanding of the signaling mechanisms which regulate toxic heavy metal uptake and tolerance in plants requires extensive improvement. In this review, we summarize recent literature and data on heavy metal toxicity (oral reference doses) and the impact of the metals on food safety and food security. Furthermore, we discuss some of the key events (reception, transduction, and response) in the heavy metal signaling cascades in the cell wall, plasma membrane, and cytoplasm. Our future perspectives provide an outlook of the exciting advances that will shape the plant heavy metal signaling field in the near future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Pollution and Plants Growth)
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