Trade-off of phosphate mediated iron plaque formation and cell chemical remodeling on cadmium uptake and translocation in rice

Chengming Zhang ¹, Qingnan Chu ², Zhimin Sha ³

⁰Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Sciences for Monitoring and Evaluation of Rural Land Utilization, Chengdu Normal University, Chengdu, 611130, China; Graduate School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.

Plant Physiology and Biochemistry : Ppb +

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November 3, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Phosphorus management impacts cadmium (Cd) uptake in rice. Low phosphorus enhances Cd translocation, while sufficient phosphorus promotes Cd-phosphate complex formation, reducing Cd in shoots and aiding paddy field remediation.

Area Of Science

Environmental Science
Plant Physiology
Agricultural Chemistry

Background

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in rice poses risks to human health and food safety.
Phosphorus (P) influences Cd dynamics in rice, but its precise role in Cd uptake and translocation requires clarification.
Understanding the interplay between P, iron plaque, and cellular changes is crucial for managing Cd in rice.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate how phosphorus influences cadmium dynamics in rice through iron plaque formation and cellular remodeling.
To elucidate the trade-offs in P-mediated Cd uptake and translocation in rice plants.
To provide insights for P management strategies to mitigate Cd contamination in paddy fields.

Main Methods

Hydroponic experiment to assess the effects of varying phosphorus levels on rice.
Analysis of iron plaque composition, including amorphous iron plaque (AIP).
Quantification of Cd concentration in different plant tissues and chemical fractions.
Measurement of pectin methylesterase (PME) activity and phospholipid levels.

Main Results

Phosphorus deficiency increased iron concentration in AIP, enhancing Cd fixation, while sufficient P decreased AIP-Fe, releasing Cd.
P starvation significantly increased Cd transport from root to shoot (higher transport factor).
Low P increased PME activity, promoting Cd binding to the cell wall; sufficient P shifted Cd to insoluble Cd-phosphate complexes.
Phosphorus deprivation downregulated plasma membrane phospholipids, affecting Cd uptake dynamics.
Sufficient P reduced Cd translocation by promoting vacuolar Cd-phosphate complexes and cytosolic retention.

Conclusions

Phosphorus plays a critical role in modulating Cd accumulation and translocation in rice.
The iron-phosphorus (Fe-P) crosstalk significantly influences Cd dynamics, affecting both root uptake and shoot translocation.
Strategic P management in paddy fields can be a viable approach to mitigate Cd contamination in rice.

Keywords:

Cadmium Cell wall Fe plaque Phosphate Plasm membrane Rice