Phytoaccumulation potentials of two biotechnologically propagated ecotypes of Arundo donax in copper-contaminated synthetic wastewater

Abstract

An in vitro experiment was carried out to evaluate the phytoremediation potentials of two somatic embryo-derived ecotypes of Arundo donax-BL (American ecotype) and 20SZ (Hungarian ecotype)-of copper from synthetic wastewater. The two ecotypes were grown under sterile conditions in tubes containing a nutrient solution supplied with increasing doses of Cu (0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 26.8 mg L(-1)) for 6 weeks. The translocation and bioaccumulation factors and removal rate were estimated. In general, increasing Cu concentration in nutrient solution slightly decreased root, stem and leaf biomass without toxicity symptoms up to 26.8 mg L(-1). Moreover, both ecotypes showed high Cu removal efficiency from aqueous solution. However, Cu removal rate ranged between 96.6 to 98.8% for BL ecotype and 97 to 100% for 20SZ ecotype. Data illustrated that both BL and 20SZ ecotypes may be employed to treat Cu-contaminated water bodies up to 26.8 mg L(-1).

Copper Uptake Efficiency and Its Distribution Within Bioenergy Grass Giant Reed

“…BL and 20SZ plants had healthy and well developed roots at Cu concentrations lower than 10 mg L -1 . Similar results were reported by Elhawat et al (2014) for giant reed plants growing on Cu-contaminated water bodies up to 26.8 mg L -1 . However, these findings were different than those of Sheldon and Menzies (2005) who reported low Cu concentrations between 0.2 and 1 lM significantly reduced root growth and disrupted the root cuticle of Rhodes grass.…”

“…Almost 50 % of total Cu content in plant tissues was found in root systems of BL, but root systems of 20SZ plants were able to accumulate higher Cu content. Similar results were found by Elhawat et al (2014) in giant reed plants when they grew in a closed hydroponic system fortified with Cu. Mavrogianopoulos et al (2002) content in roots compared to shoots could be explained as giant reed plants accumulate Cu in their roots to a certain point and then transport it to shoots after roots become saturated (Mavrogianopoulos et al 2002).…”

“…Alongside BCF [1, high biomass production of giant reed plants under unfavorable growth conditions is an additional advantage that emphasizes the benefits of using these plants for phytoremediation of Cu contaminated sites. Results of BCF were consistent with those of Elhawat et al (2014).…”

“…Mavrogianopoulos et al (2002) content in roots compared to shoots could be explained as giant reed plants accumulate Cu in their roots to a certain point and then transport it to shoots after roots become saturated (Mavrogianopoulos et al 2002). These findings were different than those of Elhawat et al (2014) who documented Cu accumulation (%) in different plant parts of giant reed followed the order: root [ culm [ leaf blade. In addition, Mavrogianopoulos et al (2002) cited that giant reed populations (Naxos and Hania) accumulated Cu by 7 % and 22 % in leaves and roots respectively, when they grew in a closed hydroponic system.…”

“…Despite high Cu contents measured in shoots of BL and 20SZ plants, biomass of both ecotypes was significantly (p \ 0.05) enhanced, where at 26.8 mg Cu L -1 , plants of BL and 20SZ recorded higher biomass than control plants. Elhawat et al (2014) documented slight reduction in shoot biomass of giant reed ecotypes when they grew on enriched liquid medium with Cu up to 26.8 mg L -1 .…”