Work

Enhancement of cadmium uptake in Cinnamomum camphora seedlings through the regulation of physiological resistance by three exogenous plant growth regulators

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examined the effects of three exogenous plant growth regulators on the resistance physiology of Cinnamomum camphora ( C. camphora ) seedlings and their cadmium (Cd) absorption and transport under Cd stress. To this end, the efficacies of several plant growth regulators in the remediation of Cd-polluted soil were compared. This paper also provides a theoretical foundation for the ecological restoration of C. camphora and the incorporation of plant growth regulators in mining-abandoned and industrially polluted lands. The findings revealed that the application of 20 mg kg –1 3-indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellin (GA 3 ), and 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) facilitated plant growth and enhanced the photosynthesis of C. camphora seedlings. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity of C. camphora seedlings was improved: the superoxide dismutase activity decreased by 1.0 %, 11.7 %, and 24.4 %. Similarly, the ascorbic acid content decreased by 39.0 %, 17.9 %, and 22.2 %, respectively. These changes effectively boosted the ability of C. camphora seedlings to restore Cd-contaminated soil, consequently promoting Cd accumulation in plant organs and lowering soil Cd residue by 30.8 %, 12.9 %, and 18.1 %, respectively. The treatments also enabled Cd accumulation in the aboveground and underground parts of the seedlings, effectively increasing their resistance against Cd. These results demonstrate that applying plant growth regulators is a promising approach for strengthening phytoremediation in contaminated soils. • The application of IAA, GA 3 , and 6-BA at 20 mg/kg enhanced the photosynthesis of C. camphora seedlings. • Exogenous applications of IAA, GA 3 , and 6-BA significantly reduced oxidative damage caused by Cd stress. • The treatments promoted Cd accumulation in the aboveground and underground parts of the seedlings.

Source: Environmental Technology & Innovation

DOI: 10.1016/j.eti.2025.104098

Authors: Chenyang Zhang, Jihai Zhou, Meng Na, Shangqi Xu, Xiaoping Li, Shoubiao Zhou

Institutions: Yunnan University, Anhui Normal University, Nanjing Forestry University

Language: English

Topic: Heavy metals in environment

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,930