Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Effectiveness of zinc application to minimize cadmium toxicity and accumulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Environmental Earth Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal and its presence in soil is of great concern due to the danger of its entry into the food chain. Among many others, proper plant nutrition is an economic and practicable strategy for minimizing the damage to plants from Cd and to decrease Cd accumulation in edible plant parts. The study was carried out to compare the effectiveness of soil and foliar applications of zinc (Zn) to minimize Cd accumulation in wheat grains. The results revealed that the exposure of plants to Cd decreased plant growth and increased Cd concentration in the shoots and grains of wheat, when compared with unexposed plants. Foliar application of 0.3 % zinc sulfate solution effectively decreased Cd concentration in wheat grains. Foliar application of Zn at a suitable concentration can effectively ameliorate the adverse effects of Cd exposure and decrease the grain Cd concentration of wheat grown in Cd-contaminated soil.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adiloglu A (2002) The effect of Zinc (Zn) application on uptake of cadmium (Cd) in some cereal species. Arch Acker-Pfl Boden 48:553–556

    Google Scholar 

  • Ahmad M, Usman ARA, Lee SS, Kim SC, Joo JH, Yang JE, Ok YS (2012) Eggshell and coral wastes as low cost sorbents for the removal of Pb2+, Cd2+ and Cu2+ from aqueous solutions. J Ind Eng Chem 18:198–204

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akay A, Koleli N (2007) Interaction between cadmium and zinc in barley (Hordeum vulgare L) grown under field conditions. Bangladesh J Bot 36:13–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Aravind P, Prasad M, Malec P, Waloszek A, Strzałka K (2009) Zinc protects Ceratophyllum demersum L (free-floating hydrophyte) against reactive oxygen species induced by cadmium. J Trace Elements Med Biol 23:50–60

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bradford M (1976) A rapid and sensitive method for the quantification of microgram quantities of protein utilizing the protein–dye binding. Anal Biochem 72:248–254

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cakmak I (1994) Activity of ascorbate-dependent H2O2-scavenging enzymes and leaf chlorosis are enhanced in magnesium- and potassium- deficient leaves, but not in phosphorus-deficient leaves. J Expt Bot 45:1259–1266

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cakmak I, Marschner H (1992) Magnesium deficiency and high light intensity enhance activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase in bean leaves. Plant Physiol Biochem 98:1222–1227

    Google Scholar 

  • Chemists AOA (1999) Official method of analysis. AOAC Int, Arlington

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Y, Huerta A (1997) Effects of sulfur nutrition on photosynthesis in cadmium-treated barley seedlings. J Plant Nutr 20:845–856

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cherif J, Mediouni C, Ammar W, Jemal F (2011) Interactions of zinc and cadmium toxicity in their effects on growth and in antioxidative systems in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). J Environ Sci 23:837–844

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cui Y, Du X (2011) Soil heavy-metal speciation and wheat phytotoxicity in the vicinity of an abandoned lead–zinc mine in Shangyu City, eastern China. Environ Earth Sci 62:257–264

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ebrahim M, Aly M (2004) Physiological response of wheat to foliar application of zinc and inoculation with some bacterial fertilizers. J Plant Nutr 27:1859–1874

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ekmekçi Y, Tanyolaç D, Ayhan B (2008) Effects of cadmium on antioxidant enzyme and photosynthetic activities in leaves of two maize cultivars. J Plant Physiol 165:600–611

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gong H, Zhu X, Chen K, Wang S, Zhang C (2005) Silicon alleviates oxidative damage of wheat plants in pots under drought. Plant Sci 169:313–321

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grant CA, Bailey LD (1997) Effect of phosphorus and zinc fertilizer management on cadmium accumulation in flaxseed. J Sci Food Agric 73:307–314

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Habib M (2009) Effect of foliar application of Zn and Fe on wheat yield and quality. Afr J Biotech 8:6795–6798

    Google Scholar 

  • Hassan M, Zhang G, Wu F, Wei K, Chen Z (2005) Zinc alleviates growth inhibition and oxidative stress caused by cadmium in rice. J Plant Nutr Soil Sci 168:255–261

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jalloh MA, Chen J, Zhen F, Zhang G (2009) Effect of different N fertilizer forms on anti-oxidant capacity and grain yield of rice growing under Cd stress. J Hazard Mater 162:1081–1085

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khan N, Ahmad I, Singh S, Nazar R (2006) Variation in growth, photosynthesis, and yield of five wheat cultivars exposed to cadmium stress. World J Agri Sci 2:223–226

    Google Scholar 

  • Kölali N, Eke S, Cakmak I (2004) Effect of zinc fertilization on cadmium toxicity in durum and bread wheat grown in zinc-deficient soil. Environ Pollut 131:453–459

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Landberg T, Greger M (2003) Influence of N and N Supplementation on Cd accumulation in Wheat grain. In: 7th International Conference on the Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements, Uppsala ‘03, Conference Proceedings 1: III, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden, pp 90–91

  • Lee SS, Lim JE, Abd El-Azeem SAM, Choi B, Oh SE, Moon DH, Ok YS (2013) Heavy metal immobilization in soil near abandoned mines using eggshell waste and rapeseed residue. Environ Sci Pollut Res 20:1719–1726

  • Lim JE, Ahmad M, Usman ARA, Lee SS, Jeon WT, Oh SE, Yang JE, Ok YS (2013) Effects of natural and calcined poultry waste on Cd, Pb and As mobility in contaminated soil. Environ Earth Sci 69:11–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Matusik J, Bajda T, Manecki M (2008) Immobilization of aqueous cadmium by addition of phosphates. J Hazard Mater 152:1332–1339

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mazhoudi S, Chaoui A, Ghorbal M, Ferjani E (1997) Response of antioxidant enzymes to excess copper in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Plant Sci 127:259–274

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ok YS, Oh SE, Ahmad M, Hyun S, Kim KR, Moon DH, Lee SS, Lim KJ, Jeon WT, Yang JE (2010) Effects of natural and calcined oyster shells on Cd and Pb immobilization in contaminated soils. Environ Earth Sci 61:1301–1308

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ok YS, Kim SC, Kim DK, Skousen JG, Lee JS, Cheong YW, Kim SJ, Yang JE (2011a) Ameliorants to immobilize Cd in rice paddy soils contaminated by abandoned metal mines in Korea. Environ Geochem Health 33:23–30

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ok YS, Lim JE, Moon DK (2011b) Stabilization of Pb and Cd contaminated soils and soil quality improvements using waste oyster shells. Environ Geochem Health 33:83–91

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ok YS, Usman ARS, Lee SS, Abd El-Azeem SAM, Choi B, Hashimoto Y, Yang JE (2011c) Effects of rapeseed residue on lead and cadmium availability and uptake by rice plants in heavy metal contaminated paddy soil. Chemosphere 85:677–682

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Page A, Chang A, Adriano D, Tanj K (1990) Agricultural assessment and management of deficiencies and toxicities of trace elements. In: Manuals and reports on eng practice, vol 71. New York, pp 138–160

  • Pankovic D, Plesnicar M, Maksimoviic IA, Petrovic N, Sakac Z, Kastori R (2000) Effect of nitrogen nutrition on photosynthesis in Cd treated sunflower plants. Ann Bot 86:841–847

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Popova L, Maslenkova L, Yordanova R, Ivanova A, Krantev A, Szalai G (2009) Exogenous treatment with salicylic acid attenuates cadmium toxicity in pea seedlings. Plant Physiol Biochem 47:224–231

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Puschenreiter M, Horak O, Friesl W, Hartl W (2005) Low-cost agricultural measures to reduce heavy metal transfer into the food chain—a review. Plant Soil Environ 51:1–11

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qiu ZZ, Guan ZY, Long CY (2005) Effect of zinc on cadmium uptake by spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): long time hydroponic study and short time 109Cd tracing study. J Zhejiang Univ Sci 6:643–648

    Google Scholar 

  • Qu J, Wang L, Yuan X, Cong Q, Guan SS (2011) Effects of ammonium molybdate on phytoremediation by alfalfa plants and (im)mobilization of toxic metals in soils. Enviorn Earth Sci 64:2175–2182

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ranjha A, Mehdi S, Qureshi R (1993) Clay mineralogy of some selected alluvial soils of Indus plains. Pakistan J Soil Sci 8:3–7

    Google Scholar 

  • Riaz-ul-Amin (1986) Soil taxonomy and agro-technology transfer. In: Proceedings XII International forum, Soil Survey of Pakistan Oct 9–23. Lahore, Pakistan, pp 49–63

  • Saifullah, Meers E, Qadir M, de Caritat P, Tack F, Du Laing G, Zia M (2009) EDTA-assisted Pb phytoextraction. Chemosphere 74:1279–1291

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sandalio L, Dalruzo H, Gomez M, Romero-Puetras M, del-Rio L (2001) Cadmium-induced changes in the growth and oxidative metabolism of pea plants. J Exp Bot 52:2115–2126

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarwar N, Saifullah, Malhi S, Zia M, Naeem A, Bibi S, Farid G (2010) Role of plant nutrients in minimizing cadmium accumulation by plants. J Sci Food Agric 90:925–937

    Google Scholar 

  • Soltanpour P (1985) Use of AB-DTPA soil test to evaluate elemental availability and toxicity. Comm Soil Sci Plant Anal 16:323–338

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Staff USL (1954) USDA Handbook No 60: diagnosis and improvement of saline and alkali soils. USDA, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Tlustos P, Szakova J, Korinek K, Pavlikova D, Hanc A, Balik J (2006) The effect of liming on cadmium, lead and zinc uptake reduction by spring wheat grown in contaminated soil. Plant Soil Environ 52:16–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Usman ARA, Lee SS, Awad Y, Lim KJ, Yang JE, Ok YS (2012) Soil pollution assessment and identification of hyperaccumulating plants in chromate copper arsenate (CCA) contaminated sites, Korea. Chemosphere 87:872–878

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu F, Zhang G (2002) Genotypic differences in effect of Cd on growth and mineral concentrations in barley seedlings. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 69:219–227

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zaccheo P, Laura C, Valeria DMP (2006) Ammonium nutrition as a strategy for cadmium metabolisation in the rhizosphere of sunflower. Plant Soil 283:43–56

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao Z, Zhu Y, Kneer R, Smith S (2005) Effect of zinc on cadmium toxicity-induced oxidative stress in winter wheat seedlings. J Plant Nutr 28:1947–1959

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu Y, Zhao Z, Li H, Smith S, Smith F (2003) Effect of zinc–cadmium interactions on the uptake of zinc and cadmium by winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) grown in pot culture. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 71:1289–1296

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zornoza P, Vázquez S, Esteban E, Fernández-Pascual M, Carpena R (2002) Cadmium-stress in nodulated white lupin: strategies to avoid toxicity. Plant Physiol Biochem 40:1003–1009

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the financial support from Higher Education Commission, Islamabad, Pakistan for the execution of project “Safe Food Production from Soils Contaminated with Cadmium”. Prof. Yong Sik Ok was supported by the Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea as “The GAIA Project” and the National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Korean Government (Project No. 2012R1A1B3001409). Instrumental analysis was partly supported by the Korea Basic Science Institute, the Institute of Environment Research, and the Central Laboratory of Kangwon National University in Korea.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

    Saifullah, Nadeem Sarwar & Sadia Bibi

  2. Environmental Remediation and Restoration Laboratory, Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701, Korea

    Mahtab Ahmad & Yong Sik Ok

Authors
  1. Saifullah
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Nadeem Sarwar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Sadia Bibi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Mahtab Ahmad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Yong Sik Ok
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Saifullah.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Saifullah, Sarwar, N., Bibi, S. et al. Effectiveness of zinc application to minimize cadmium toxicity and accumulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Environ Earth Sci 71, 1663–1672 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-013-2570-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-013-2570-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation