Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Growth and Physiology of Maize (Zea mays L.) in a Nickel-Contaminated Soil and Phytoremediation Efficiency Using EDTA

  • Published:
Journal of Plant Growth Regulation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Nickel (Ni) element is strongly phytotoxic at high concentrations for several plants, but due to its dual behavior and complicated chemistry, it has received little attention in plant nutrition and relevant experimental data are limited. The current research was carried out to study the effect of Ni on maize (Zea mays L.) growth and phytoextraction potential with EDTA assistance, a process termed as chemical assisted phytoremediation. Treatments included two levels of EDTA (0 and 0.5 mM), two levels of Ni (0 and 40 µM) and their combination (EDTA+Ni) that were applied to maize plants grown in a pot experiment. Application of Ni alone or in combination with EDTA reduced maize root and shoot length by 7.8% to 13.3% and by 15.6% to 21.1%, respectively, compared with control, as well as root and shoot dry weight by 42.0% to 60.0% and by 29.8% to 46.6%, respectively. A similar declining trend was observed also for the content of photosynthetic pigments (chl-a, chl-b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids) as well as total proteins. However, proline, total soluble sugars, and free amino acids showed an increasing trend with application of Ni and EDTA alone or in combination. These treatments significantly decreased P and Na content in maize roots, stems, leaves, and grains, while increased K content compared with control. Application of EDTA with Ni was the most effective treatment to enhance Ni accumulation in maize (50.23 mg per plant) compared with Ni alone (40.62 mg per plant), EDTA alone (27.75 mg per plant), and control (15.51 mg per plant). Application of EDTA in combination with Ni enhanced Ni accumulation by 4.9 folds in maize shoots and by 2.6 folds in roots over control. In conclusion, application of EDTA in suitable concentrations may enhance Ni uptake by maize providing an effective and economic phytoremediation method of Ni-contaminated soils.

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.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahammed GJ, Li X, Yang Y, Liu C, Zhou G, Wan H, Cheng Y (2020a) Tomato WRKY81 acts as a negative regulator for drought tolerance by modulating guard cell H2O2-mediated stomatal closure. Environ Exp Bot 171:103960

    Google Scholar 

  • Ahammed GJ, Wang Y, Mao Q, Wu M, Yan Y, Ren J, Wang X, Liu A, Chen S (2020b) Dopamine alleviates bisphenol A-induced phytotoxicity by enhancing antioxidant and detoxification potential in cucumber. Environ Pollut 259:113957

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ahammed GJ, Wu M, Wang Y, Yan Y, Mao Q, Ren J, Ma R, Liu A, Chen S (2020c) Melatonin alleviates iron stress by improving iron homeostasis, antioxidant defense and secondary metabolism in cucumber. Sci Hortic 265:109205

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ain Q, Akhtar J, Amjad M, Haq M, Saqib Z (2016) Effect of enhanced nickel levels on wheat plant growth and physiology under salt stress. Commun Soil Sci Plant Anal 47:2538–2546

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ali H, Khan E, Sajad MA (2013) Phytoremediation of heavy metals: concepts and applications. Chemosphere 91:869–881

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Amari T, Ghnaya T, Debez A, Taamali M, Youssef NB, Lucchini G (2014) Comparative Ni tolerance and accumulation potentials between Mesembryanthemum crystallinum (halophyte) and Brassica juncea: metal accumulation, nutrient status and photosynthetic activity. J Plant Physiol 171:1634–1644

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Anamika S, Eapen S, Fulekar MH (2009) Phytoremediation of cadmium, lead and zinc by Brassica juncea L. Czern Coss J Appl Biosci 13:726–736

    Google Scholar 

  • Baccouch S, Chaoui A, El Ferjani E (1998) Nickel toxicity: effects on growth and metabolism of maize. J Plant Nutr 21:577–588

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bates L, Waldren R, Teare I (1973) Rapid determination of free proline for water-stress studies. Plant Soil 39:205–207

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ci D, Jiang D, Wollenweber B, Dai T, Jing Q, Cao W (2010) Genetic variance in cadmium tolerance and accumulation in wheat materials differing in ploidy and genome at seedling stage. J Agron Crop Sci 196:302–310

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dan TV, KrishnaRaj S, Saxena PK (2000) Metal tolerance of scented geranium (Pelargonium sp. ‘Frensham’): effects of cadmium and nickel on chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics. Int J Phytoremed 2:91–104

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Davis P (1957) A method for the determination of chlorophyll in sea water. Marine CSIRO Aust. Div. Fish. Oceanogr. Rep. No. 7

  • Gajewska E, Skłodowska M (2009) Nickel-induced changes in nitrogen metabolism in wheat shoots. J Plant Physiol 166:1034–1044

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gajewska E, Skłodowska M, Słaba M, Mazur J (2006) Effect of nickel on antioxidative enzyme activities, proline and chlorophyll contents in wheat shoots. Biol Plant 50:653–659

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ganie SA, Ahammed GJ, Wani SH (2020) Vascular plant one zinc-finger (VOZ) transcription factors: novel regulators of abiotic stress tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Gen Res Crop Evol 67:799–807

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Garbisu C, Alkorta I (2001) Phytoextraction: a cost-effective plant-based technology for the removal of metals from the environment. Biores Technol 77:229–236

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ghasemi F, Heidari R, Jameii R, Purakbar L (2012) Effects of Ni2+ toxicity on Hill reaction and membrane functionality in maize. J Stress Physiol Biochem 8:55–61

    Google Scholar 

  • Hasan MK, Ahammed GJ, Sun S, Li M, Yin H, Zhou J (2019) Melatonin inhibits cadmium translocation and enhances plant tolerance by regulating sulfur uptake and assimilation in Solanum lycopersicum L. J Agric Food Chem 67:10563–10576

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • He ZL, Yang XE, Stoffella PJ (2005) Trace elements in agroecosystems and impacts on the environment. J Trace Elem Medic Biol 19:125–140

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kaur L, Gadgil K, Sharma S (2015) Comparative evaluation of salicylic acid and EDTA chelant induced phytoremediation of lead and nickel using Lemna minor L. Trop Plant Res 2:264–270

    Google Scholar 

  • Kevrešan S, Petrović N, Popović M, Kandrač J (1998) Effect of heavy metals on nitrate and protein metabolism in sugar beet. Biol Plant 41:235–240

    Google Scholar 

  • Lowry OH, Rosebrough NJ, Farr AL, Randall RJ (1951) Protein measurement with the Folin phenol reagent. J Biol Chem 193:265–275

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maxted A, Black C, West H, Crout N, McGrath S, Young S (2007) Phytoextraction of cadmium and zinc from arable soils amended with sewage sludge using Thlaspi caerulescens: development of a predictive model. Environ Pollut 150:363–372

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Negi A, Singh HP, Batish DR, Kohli RK (2014) Ni+2-inhibited radicle growth in germinating wheat seeds involves alterations in sugar metabolism. Acta Physiol Plant 36:923–929

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ouzounidou G, Moustakas M, Symeonidis L, Karataglis S (2006) Response of wheat seedlings to Ni stress: effects of supplemental calcium. Arch Environ Contam Toxic 50:346–352

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Page A (1982) Methods of soil analysis: chemical and microbiological properties. American Society of Agronomy, Madison, WI, USA

    Google Scholar 

  • Pandey N, Sharma CP (2002) Effect of heavy metals Co2+, Ni2+ and Cd2+ on growth and metabolism of cabbage. Plant Sci 163:753–758

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ramarao C, Patil V, Dhak B, Kadrekar S (1983) A simple in vivo method for the determination of nitrite reductase activity in rice roots. Z Pflanzenphysiol 109:81–85

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rew A (2007) Phytoremediation: an environmentally sound technology for pollution prevention, control and remediation in developing countries. Educ Res Rev 2:151–156

    Google Scholar 

  • Riazi A, Matsuda K, Arslan A (1985) Water-stress induced changes in concentrations of proline and other solutes in growing regions of young barley leaves. J Exp Bot 36:1716–1725

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rinklebe J, Shaheen SM (2017) Redox chemistry of nickel in soils and sediments: a review. Chemosphere 179:265–278

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rus A, Estan M, Gisbert C, Garcia-Sogo B, Serrano R, Caro M (2001) Expressing the yeast HAL1 gene in tomato increases fruit yield and enhances K+/Na+ selectivity under salt stress. Plant Cell Environ 24:875–880

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Salt DE, Blaylock M, Kumar NP, Dushenkov V, Ensley BD, Chet I (1995) Phytoremediation: a novel strategy for the removal of toxic metals from the environment using plants. Nat Biotechnol 13:468–474

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sarwar N, Imran M, Shaheen MR, Ishaq W, Kamran A, Matloob A (2017) Phytoremediation strategies for soils contaminated with heavy metals: modifications and future perspectives. Chemosphere 171:710–721

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Seregin I, Ivanov V (2001) Physiological aspects of cadmium and lead toxic effects on higher plants. Russ J Plant Physiol 48:523–544

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Seth CS (2012) A review on mechanisms of plant tolerance and role of transgenic plants in environmental clean-up. Bot Rev 78:32–62

    Google Scholar 

  • Shabani N, Sayadi M (2012) Evaluation of heavy metals accumulation by two emergent macrophytes from the polluted soil: an experimental study. Environmentalist 32:91–98

    Google Scholar 

  • Shafeeq A, Butt ZA, Muhammad S (2012) Response of nickel pollution on physiological and biochemical attributes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) var. Bhakar-02. Pak J Bot 44:111–116

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sheoran I, Singal H, Singh R (1990) Effect of cadmium and nickel on photosynthesis and the enzymes of the photosynthetic carbon reduction cycle in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.). Photosynth Res 23:345–351

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sun Y, Zhou Q, Xu Y, Wang L, Liang X (2011) The role of EDTA on cadmium phytoextraction in a cadmium-hyperaccumulator Rorippa globosa. J Environ Chem Ecotox 3:45–51

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sym GJ (1984) Optimisation of the in-vivo assay conditions for nitrate reductase in barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Igri). J Sci Food Agric 35:725–730

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tian Y, Zhang H, Guo W, Chen Z, Wei X, Zhang L, Han L, Dai L (2012) Assessment of the phytoremediation potential of bioenergy crop maize (Zea mays) in soil contaminated by cadmium: Morphology, photosynthesis and accumulation. Fresen Environ Bull 21:3575–3581

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tong Y-P, Kneer R, Zhu Y-G (2004) Vacuolar compartmentalization: a second-generation approach to engineering plants for phytoremediation. Trends Plant Sci 9:7–9

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Turgut C, Pepe MK, Cutright TJ (2004) The effect of EDTA and citric acid on phytoremediation of Cd, Cr, and Ni from soil using Helianthus annuus. Environ Pollut 131:147–154

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van Slyke DD, Dillon RT, MacFadyen DA, Hamilton P (1941) Gasometric determination of carboxyl groups in free amino acids. J Biol Chem 141:627–669

    Google Scholar 

  • Velikova V, Tsonev T, Loreto F, Centritto M (2011) Changes in photosynthesis, mesophyll conductance to CO2, and isoprenoid emissions in Populus nigra plants exposed to excess nickel. Environ Pollut 159:1058–1066

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yusuf M, Fariduddin Q, Hayat S, Ahmad A (2011) Nickel: an overview of uptake, essentiality and toxicity in plants. Bull Environ Contam Toxic 86:1–17

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Y, Liang Y, Zhao X, Jin X, Hou L, Shi Y, Ahammed GJ (2019) Silicon compensates phosphorus deficit-induced growth inhibition by improving photosynthetic capacity, antioxidant potential, and nutrient homeostasis in tomato. Agronomy 9:733

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Z, Wu P, Zhang W, Yang Z, Liu H, Ahammed GJ, Cui J (2020) Calcium is involved in exogenous NO-induced enhancement of photosynthesis in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seedlings under low temperature. Sci Hortic 261:108953

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou Y, Guang Y, Li J, Wang F, Ahammed GJ, Yang Y (2019) The CYP74 gene family in watermelon: genome-wide identification and expression profiling under hormonal stress and root-knot nematode infection. Agronomy 9:872

    CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad, Pakistan

    Muhammad Imran Tipu

  2. Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan

    Muhammad Yasin Ashraf, Nadeem Sarwar & Muhammad Akhtar

  3. Department of Horticultural Sciences, University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan

    Muhammad Rashid Shaheen

  4. Department of Entomology, University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan

    Sajjad Ali

  5. Department of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, 68200, Orestiada, Greece

    Christos A. Damalas

Authors
  1. Muhammad Imran Tipu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Muhammad Yasin Ashraf
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Nadeem Sarwar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Muhammad Akhtar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Muhammad Rashid Shaheen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Sajjad Ali
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Christos A. Damalas
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Muhammad Rashid Shaheen, Sajjad Ali or Christos A. Damalas.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

Authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Tipu, M.I., Ashraf, M.Y., Sarwar, N. et al. Growth and Physiology of Maize (Zea mays L.) in a Nickel-Contaminated Soil and Phytoremediation Efficiency Using EDTA. J Plant Growth Regul 40, 774–786 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00344-020-10132-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00344-020-10132-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation