Influence of Phosphate on the Arsenic Uptake by Wheat (Triticum durum L.) Irrigated with Arsenic Solutions at Three Different Concentrations

Abstract

In this study we have investigated the uptake and distribution of arsenic (As) and phosphate (P i ) in roots, shoots, and grain of wheat grown in an uncontaminated soil irrigated with solutions containing As at three different concentrations (0.5, 1 and 2 mg l −1 ) and in the presence or in the absence of P fertilization. Arsenic in irrigation water reduced plants growth and decreased grain yield. When P i was not added (P−), plants were more greatly impacted compared to the plus P i (P+) treatments. The differences in mean biomass between P− and P+ treatments at the higher As concentrations demonstrated the role of P i in preventing As toxicity and growth inhibition. Arsenic concentrations in root, shoot and grain increased with increasing As concentration in irrigation water. It appears that P fertilization minimizes the translocation of As to the shoots and grain whilst enhancing P status of plant. The observation that P fertilization minimises the translocation of arsenic to the shoots and grain is interesting and may be useful for certain regions of the world that has high levels of As in groundwater or soils.

The Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Rhizophagus intraradices Reduces the Negative Effects of Arsenic on Soybean Plants

“…At present, soybeans are grown in prime soils and also in marginal lands, where the occurrence of some As-contaminated soils has been documented for many years [16]. Bustingorri et al [13] found a negative correlation between soybean yields and soil As concentration, in agreement with similar studies in rice, wheat, and barley [7,17].…”

“…Aerial biomass was less affected by As than roots in non-inoculated plants as described for rice, wheat [5,7,17], and soybeans [14]. Resembling the findings of other authors [26], inoculated plants were less affected by As.…”

“…Soils with high concentration of As negatively affect crop production and food safety, a phenomenon that has been documented in several countries [3,4]. Plants exposed to high As concentrations show reduced germination, decreased chlorophyll content and photosynthesis rate, reduced height, tillering and/or ramification, and decreased root and aerial biomass growth and yield; As also negatively affects the Bradyrhizobium-legume symbiosis, and may even cause death [5][6][7][8].…”

Study of interaction effect between triacontanol and nitric oxide on alleviating of oxidative stress arsenic toxicity in coriander seedlings

“…Arsenate is known to interfere in phosphate (P) uptake by plant cells since P transporters had high affinity to As, therefore competing with P anions (Finnegan & Chen 2012). Competition between As and P physiologically results in blocking the electron transport chain at the level of cell membranes, and therefore ATP synthesis is significantly inhibited (Pigna et al 2009). This leads to the disruption of energy flows in cells and finally represses the growth and development of plants.…”

Phosphate has a differential influence on arsenate adsorption by soils with different properties

“…Furthermore, phosphorus (P) can compete with As for adsorption sites in soils and correspondingly increase the mobility and availability of As because of their similar chemical behaviours (Smith et al 2002). Studies have been carried out to explore the interaction between As and P adsorption on clay minerals, Fe/Al oxides/hydroxides, or intact soils (Liu et al 2001, Violante and Pigna 2002, Pigna et al 2009). However, the adverse effects of P application on As adsorption might vary in different soils.…”