Effects of plant growth regulators (DA-6 and 6-BA) and EDDS chelator on phytoextraction and detoxification of cadmium by Amaranthus hybridus Linn.

In this study, pot experiments were carried out to investigative the effects of growth-promoting hormone diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (DA-6), 6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BA), and chelator [S,S]-Ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS) when applied to soil contaminated with cadmium (Cd). The substances were applied alone and in combination to assess their impact on biomass, Cd phytoextraction, subcellular distribution, and chemical forms in Cd hyperaccumulator Amaranthus hybridus Linn. (A. hybridus). Results showed that the treatment of EDDS alone inhibited plant growth, and raised the Cd concentration in the plant shoot and root. Treatments with DA-6 and 6-BA combined with EDDS alleviated the negative effect of EDDS on plant growth, resulting in a synergistic effect on Cd phytoaccumulation and translocation. At the subcellular level, DA-6 and 6-BA detoxified the Cd toxicity in the plant by retaining the Cd in the cell wall. On the distribution of the chemical form of Cd in plant shoot, DA-6 and 6-BA significantly decreased Cd mobility in the plant compared to EDDS. These results confirmed that combining DA-6 and 6-BA with EDDS can counteract the adverse effect of EDDS on plant growth. The treatment of 5.0 mmol kg−1 EDDS + 1 μM DA-6 was optimal for improving the remediation of A. hybridus Linn. growing in Cd contaminated soil.