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Calcium-enriched biochar modulates cadmium uptake depending on external cadmium dose
Jozef Kováčik1, Sławomir Dresler2, Ireneusz Sowa3
1Department of Biology, University of Trnava, Priemyselná 4, 918 43 Trnava, Slovak Republic.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|September 18, 2022
Summary
Calcium-enriched biochar (BC) impacts cadmium (Cd) toxicity in chamomile. While BC can reduce Cd uptake, higher BC doses with high Cd increased accumulation, though it also boosted plant antioxidants and minerals, suggesting complex interactions for phytoremediation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Plant Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Cadmium (Cd) contamination poses risks to plant health and food safety.
- Biochar (BC) is explored for mitigating heavy metal toxicity in soils.
- Sewage sludge-derived, calcium-enriched biochar (BC) properties: alkaline pH, dominant elements Ca, Al, Fe, P (6.9-1.3%).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of calcium-enriched biochar on cadmium-induced toxicity in the medicinal plant Matricaria chamomilla.
- To evaluate how different doses of biochar and cadmium affect plant mineral and metabolite levels.
- To understand the complex interactions between biochar application, cadmium levels, and plant physiological responses.
Main Methods:
- Controlled experiment using Matricaria chamomilla exposed to varying doses of cadmium (1.5, 4.5, 16.5 mg/kg) and biochar (0.1%, 0.5%).
- Analysis of plant tissues for mineral content, antioxidants (ascorbic acid, non-protein thiols), amino acids, and soluble phenols.
- Assessment of reactive oxygen species and organic acid profiles (e.g., tartaric acid) using PCA analysis.
Main Results:
- Low Cd dose had less impact than high Cd dose; BC effects varied with dose and Cd level.
- Contrary to expectations, 0.5% BC with high Cd increased Cd accumulation in plants twofold.
- High BC dose increased antioxidants, minerals, and amino acids, mitigating some negative Cd effects; BC alone reduced plant Cd by 30% in control soil.
- PCA confirmed distinct metabolic profiles for high Cd + high BC treatment.
Conclusions:
- The effect of calcium-enriched biochar on cadmium toxicity is dose-dependent and interacts with soil cadmium levels.
- Biochar application can alter plant metabolism, increase protective compounds, and influence heavy metal accumulation.
- Ca-rich biochar shows potential for phytoremediation and safer food production, but careful dose optimization is crucial.
