Accumulation of heavy metals using Sorghum sp

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Plant Physiology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Effective phytoremediation requires metal-tolerant plants with high biomass and established agronomic practices.
• Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) exhibits these desirable traits, making it a candidate for metal-contaminated soil remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the physiological response of hydroponically grown Sorghum bicolor to cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) stress.
• To assess the impact of metal accumulation on chlorophyll content and antioxidative enzyme activity in sorghum plants.

Main Methods:

• Hydroponic cultivation of Sorghum bicolor under varying concentrations of cadmium and zinc.
• Monitoring of physiological parameters, including chlorophyll content and activity of antioxidative enzymes (peroxidase, glutathione transferase).
• Quantification of metal accumulation in different plant tissues (roots, shoots, leaves).

Main Results:

• Cadmium and zinc primarily accumulated in the roots of sorghum plants.
• Increased metal concentrations in the growth medium promoted metal transfer to shoots and leaves.
• High metal levels reduced chlorophyll content, induced chlorosis, and inhibited growth, particularly in shoots and leaves.
• Elevated metal concentrations in roots impaired the activity of peroxidase and glutathione transferase.
• Glutathione supplementation enhanced cadmium accumulation in both roots and shoots.

Conclusions:

• Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) demonstrates tolerance to cadmium and zinc, with significant accumulation in roots.
• Metal-induced oxidative stress affects chlorophyll content and enzyme activity, impacting plant growth.
• Glutathione fortification can enhance metal accumulation in sorghum, potentially improving phytoremediation efficiency.