Hosseinniaee S, Jafary M, Tavili A, Zare S. Effect of EDTA on soil quality and growth and nutrients characteristics of the medicinal plant Marrubium cuneatum under potentially toxic elements stress. ijhe 2024; 17 (3) :511-530
URL:
http://ijhe.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6955-en.html
1- Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, Natural Resources Faculty, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
2- Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, Natural Resources Faculty, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran , atavili@ut.ac.ir
Abstract: (44 Views)
Background and Objective: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is known as a synthetic chelating agent used for the remediation of soils contaminated with potentially toxic elements. Marrubium cuneatum is a medicinal plant with phytoremediation capabilities. This study investigated the effect of EDTA on the morph-physiological characteristics of this species and its rhizosphere soil.
Materials and Methods: Under greenhouse conditions, M. cuneatum was grown for six months in mine-contaminated soil with different levels of EDTA (0, 1, 3, 5 mmol/kg). Subsequently, its biomass, concentration of macro- and micronutrients, and soil biochemical properties—such as organic matter content, soil enzyme activity, and microbial biomass—were measured. Additionally, a regression model was established between EDTA concentration and shoot weight to predict the plant's growth response.
Results: A concentration of 5 mmol/kg EDTA decreased the dry weight of shoots and roots by 11% and 21.9%, respectively, compared to the control. The reduction in root macronutrient content was less pronounced with EDTA application compared to that of the shoots, with the greatest decrease observed for shoot potassium (40.70% compared to the control). The potassium-to-sodium ratio also decreased significantly. Despite improvements in some soil biochemical parameters at low EDTA levels, the 5 mmol/kg dose resulted in a 30% and 10% inhibition of urease and dehydrogenase activity, respectively. The regression relationship between EDTA concentration and shoot weight indicated that the maximum dry weight was obtained at a concentration of 2.4 mmol/kg.
Conclusion: Considering the adverse effects of EDTA at concentrations of 3 mmol/kg on soil and plants, as well as the predictive model of the growth response of M. cuneatum, it is suggested to investigate EDTA levels above 2.4 mmol/kg to determine the precise dose that initiates negative effects in soil and plants.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
General Received: 2024/07/17 | Accepted: 2024/09/18 | Published: 2024/12/11