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Nopalea cochenillifera, a potential chromium (VI) hyperaccumulator plant
Vinayak S Adki1, Jyoti P Jadhav, Vishwas A Bapat
1Department of Biotechnology, Shivaji University, Vidyanagar, Kolhapur 416004, India.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|August 24, 2012
Summary
Nopalea cochenillifera plants demonstrate tolerance and accumulation of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]. This study identifies the plant as a potential hyperaccumulator for phytoremediation of chromium contamination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Plant Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] poses significant environmental risks.
- Phytoremediation offers a sustainable solution for heavy metal contamination.
- Identifying hyperaccumulator plants is crucial for effective phytoremediation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the tolerance and accumulation of [Cr(VI)] in in vitro grown Nopalea cochenillifera.
- To establish a micropropagation protocol for rapid multiplication of N. cochenillifera.
- To evaluate the potential of N. cochenillifera as a hyperaccumulator for phytoremediation.
Main Methods:
- Micropropagation of Nopalea cochenillifera was established.
- In vitro cultures were exposed to varying concentrations of potassium dichromate (K(2)Cr(2)O(7)).
- Chromium concentration in roots and shoots was quantified using atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- N. cochenillifera exhibited tolerance to [Cr(VI)] up to 100 μM K(2)Cr(2)O(7) without significant root growth inhibition.
- Enzyme activities (catalase and superoxide dismutase) were induced at lower [Cr(VI)] concentrations but inhibited at higher concentrations.
- Roots accumulated up to 25,263.396 mg Cr Kg(-1) DW, and shoots accumulated up to 705.714 mg Cr Kg(-1) DW.
Conclusions:
- Nopalea cochenillifera demonstrates significant tolerance and accumulation of [Cr(VI)].
- The plant exhibits hyperaccumulation characteristics, with higher accumulation in roots.
- N. cochenillifera is a promising candidate for phytoremediation of [Cr(VI)]-contaminated environments.
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