Effects of Different Cations on the Toxicity and Absorption of Cd in Barley Root

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) as one of the widest distributions in the soils has caused significantly damage to crops. It also gave rise to agricultural products safety matter. This study aimed at investigating the effects of Cd toxicity and absorption to barley root elongation. Under the conditions of various cations such as Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , K + , Na + , Zn 2+ , H + , toxicity and absorption of Cd were affected. It showed that the EC50 (median effective concentration) of free Cd 2+ activity for barley root elongation was in the range of 1.12-5.12μmol/L. Ca had a significantly impact on Cd metal toxicity. When the content of Cd in the solution was constant, median dose K + or Na + addition promoted Cd absorption rate of barley.Ca 2+ or Mg 2+ had greatly influenced on Cd absorption dose. An effective method is urgently needed to assess toxicity of barley root and provide environmental standards for crop growth.