Biochemical changes and phytoextraction potential of quinoa and wheat for their resilience to salt stress

Phytoextraction presents a promising alternative for desalinating saline environments. Our study investigated the phytoremediation efficiency and ion uptake mechanisms of Chenopodium quinoa (Quinoa) and Triticum aestivum (wheat) in response to salt stress. The plants were subjected to NaCl-induced salinity levels of 5, 10, and 15 dS m⁻¹ in a hydroponic system, and we measured the remediation efficiency for sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride ions. The solutions incubated with wheat plants exhibited higher ion concentrations than those with quinoa. Chenopodium showed significantly higher bioaccumulation of ions (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, Cl⁻, K⁺) in its roots and leaves compared to Triticum. Chenopodium demonstrated greater ion uptake efficiency than Triticum. Under control conditions, both plants effectively contributed to desalination, as indicated by their translocation factor values. In contrast, Chenopodium showed higher TF under salt stress than Triticum for the measured ions. Salinity did not significantly affect potassium accumulation in quinoa shoots, which helped maintain membrane integrity compared to wheat. The analysis of the oxidative status revealed that wheat accumulated higher levels of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation, especially in the roots. The activities of antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbic peroxidase, and glutathione reductase showed a significant increase in the roots and leaves of Chenopodium under salt stress, providing essential protection against reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the increase in leaf area and dry weight in quinoa indicates a more significant accumulation of ions at higher concentrations, demonstrating its superior phytoremediation efficiency compared to wheat.