Work

Chromium as an Environmental Pollutant: Insights on Induced Plant Toxicity

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: In the past decades the increased use of chromium (Cr) in several anthropogenic activities and consequent contamination of soil and water have become an increasing concern. Cr exists in several oxidation states but the most stable and common forms are Cr(0), Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species. Cr toxicity in plants depends on its valence state. Cr(VI) as being highly mobile is toxic, while Cr(III) as less mobile is less toxic. Cr is taken up by plants through carriers of essential ions such as sulphate. Cr uptake, translocation, and accumulation depend on its speciation, which also conditions its toxicity to plants. Symptoms of Cr toxicity in plants are diverse and include decrease of seed germination, reduction of growth, decrease of yield, inhibition of enzymatic activities, impairment of photosynthesis, nutrient and oxidative imbalances, and mutagenesis.

Source: Journal of Botany

DOI: 10.1155/2012/375843

Author: Helena Oliveira

Institution: University of Aveiro

Language: English

Topic: Chromium effects and bioremediation

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

Award: PROGRAMMED CELL DEATH AND CELL CYCLE REGULATION UNDER CADMIUM STRESS IN PLANT AND ANIMAL MODELS