Associated Effects of Cadmium and Copper Alter the Heavy Metals Uptake by Melissa Officinalis

Abstract

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a popular herb widely used in medicine. It is often cultivated in soils with substantial heavy metal content. Here we investigate the associated effects of cadmium and copper on the plant growth parameters augmented by the manganese, zinc, and lead uptake indicators. The concentration of all elements in soil and plants was determined by the HR-CS FAAS with the ContrAA 300 Analytik Jena spectrometer. Bioavailable and total forms calculated for all examined metals were augmented by the soil analyses. The index of chlorophyll content in leaves, the activity of net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and intercellular concentration of CO2 were also investigated. Either Cd or Cu acting alone at high concentrations in soil are toxic to plants as indicated by chlorophyll indices and gas exchange parameters. Surprisingly, this effect was not observed when both metals were administered together. The sole cadmium or copper supplementations hampered the plant’s growth, lowered the leaf area, and altered the plant’s stem elongation. Analysis of variance showed that cadmium and copper treatments of lemon balm significantly influenced manganese, lead, and zinc concentration in roots and above ground parts.

The Influence of Copper and Zinc on Photosynthesis and Phenolic Levels in Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), Borage (Borago officinalis L.), Common Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.)

“…Plants containing these compounds are widely used in gastronomy, cosmetic industries, perfumery, and the pharmaceutical industry as well as in herbal medicine [15]. Preliminary studies indicate that they respond to heavy metal stress with the diverse magnitudes [16,17].…”

The impact of cadmium stress on the ascorbate-glutathione pathway and ascorbate regeneration in tea plants

“…Meanwhile, cadmium stress resulted in membrane damage, e.g., in rice and Sedum alfredii (Tian et al 2011, Thounaojam et al 2012). Cadmium at high concentrations in the soil is toxic to plants; this has been indicated by changes in chlorophyll content and gas exchange parameters (Adamczyk-Szabela et al 2019). Plants respond to cadmium by reducing its absorption and transport, and maintaining redox homeostasis.…”

Determination of Lead Employing Simple Flow Injection AAS with Monolithic Alginate-Polyurethane Composite Packed In-Valve Column

“…For chronic exposure, it can harm and affect humas health, for example, it can cause nephritis of the kidney, brain damage, and central nervous system disorders [ 1 ]. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) is among one of the various methods for the determination of lead due to its availability in laboratories and high selectivity in the detection of Pb 2+ [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Other techniques employed as standard methods include, electrothermal atomic absorption, inductively coupled plasma, inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry, anodic stripping voltammetry, and colorimetric employing dithizone [ 5 ].…”