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Vicia villosa Roth: a cover crop to phytoremediate arsenic polluted environments
Sabrina G Ibañez1, Claudia N Travaglia2, María I Medina3
1Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físico-Químicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Instituto de Biotecnología Ambiental y Salud, INBIAS-CONICET, Ruta Nacional 36 Km 601 (CP 5800), Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina. sibanez@exa.unrc.edu.ar.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|March 19, 2021
Summary
Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) can tolerate and remove arsenic (As) from soil, showing potential for phytoremediation in contaminated agricultural systems. This legume
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Plant Biology
Background:
- Vicia villosa Roth (hairy vetch) is a cover crop (CC) used in Argentina for sustainable agriculture.
- Arsenic (As) contamination affects agricultural lands where hairy vetch is utilized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hairy vetch's tolerance and response to arsenate [As(V)], arsenite [As(III)], and their mixture.
- To assess oxidative stress and root anatomical changes in hairy vetch exposed to arsenic.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of hairy vetch to different forms and concentrations of arsenic.
- Measurement of chlorophyll content and malondialdehyde (MDA) equivalents for oxidative stress.
- Analysis of root morpho-anatomic parameters and histological changes.
Main Results:
- Hairy vetch exhibited varied responses based on growth stage and arsenic concentration.
- Arsenic exposure led to reduced root turgidity, thickened outer root layers, and dark deposits.
- Arsenate and mixed arsenic forms altered root morpho-anatomy, while arsenite showed no significant differences compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Vicia villosa demonstrates arsenic tolerance and removal capabilities, suggesting its utility in phytoremediation.
- Hairy vetch can be a valuable tool for remediating arsenic-contaminated soils while supporting agricultural sustainability.
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