EDTA-facilitated toxic tolerance, absorption and translocation and phytoremediation of lead by dwarf bamboos

Abstract

Bamboos are considered as potential plants for phytoremediation. However, the mechanisms of EDTA-assisted bamboo for lead (Pb) control has not been described. The objective of this study was to examine the tolerance and behaviors of Pb to screen bamboos for Pb-contaminated soil and to explore the effects of EDTA on their phytoremediation. In this regard, five dwarf bamboos were treated with various doses Pb (0-1500 mg kg^-1) and/or EDTA (500 or 250-1000 mg kg^-1) to investigate antioxidant systems and Pb accumulation/species. Our findings showed that different doses of Pb significantly affect lipid peroxidation and antioxidant compounds in studied bamboos. EDTA increased the absorption of soil Pb²⁺ in all tissues with increasing Pb doses, while the Pb concentrations in all bamboo roots was higher than those in other tissues. Among these plants, Arundinaria argenteostriata (AA) and A. fortunei (AF) showed greater oxidative tolerance than other bamboos. Moreover, Pb accumulation showed the highest values in AA and AF plants relative to other bamboos. With increasing EDTA doses, levels of reducible and residual Pb decreased but the weak acid-soluble and total Pb increased in Pb-stressed AA/AF soils. Similarly, EDTA increased Pb²⁺ concentration in both bamboo tissues, while the Pb²⁺ level in leaves was higher than that in other organs at the highest EDTA dose. This study provides the first comprehensive evidence regarding EDTA enhancing the availability, absorption, and translocation of Pb in bamboo/soil, suggesting the application of EDTA may be an effective strategy for phytoremediation with two Arundinaria bamboos in Pb-contaminated soils.

Keywords: Dwarf bamboos; EDTA; Pb availability; Phytoextraction; Toxic tolerance.