Cadmium effects on growth and antioxidant enzymes activities in Miscanthus sinensis

Abstract

Plants of Miscanthus sinensis (cv. Giganteus) were grown in hydroponics for three months in nutrient solution with 0, 2.2, 4.4 and 6.6 μM CdNO 3. Growth parameters, catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were analysed in leaves and roots collected after 1-and 3-month exposure. Dry biomass of all miscanthus organs was affected by Cd concentration both after 1-and 3-month exposure. No visible symptoms of Cd toxicity were observed in shoots and rhizomes of plants grown in presence of Cd. In contrast, roots became shorter and thicker and the whole root system more dense and compact already after one month of treatment with 6.6 μM Cd. The lower Cd concentration increased the enzymes activities after 3 months in leaves and only after 1-month in roots, while a decrease in activity was observed at higher Cd concentrations.