Junkang Guo

Ionomic and transcriptomic analysis provides new insight into the distribution and transport of cadmium and arsenic in rice

To identify the key barrier parts and relevant elements during Cd/As transport into brown rice, 16 elements were measured in 14 different parts of 21 rice genotypes; moreover, transcriptomic of different nodes was analyzed. Cd/As contents in root and nodes were significantly higher than those other parts. Node I had the highest Cd content among nodes, leading an increase in gene expressions involved in glycolytic and Cd detoxification. The Cu/Zn/Co distribution and transport to various parts was similar to that of Cd, and Fe/Sb distribution and transport to various parts was similar to that of As. Moreover, Cu/Zn/Co/Mg was correlated with Cd in root and nodes, as well as Fe with As. Besides, the ionomic profile showed the different parts of an organ were closely related, and the spatial distribution of different organs was consistent with the growth morphology of rice. Therefore, root and nodes are two key barriers to Cd/As transport into brown rice. Moreover, Node I has the highest Cd accumulation capacities among nodes. The ionomic profile reflects relationships among plant parts and correlations between the elements, suggesting that nodes are hubs for element distribution, as well as the correlation between Cd with Zn/Cu/Co/Mg, between Fe with As.

Efficiency evaluation for remediating paddy soil contaminated with cadmium and arsenic using water management, variety screening and foliage dressing technologies

Paddy soils in many regions of China have been seriously polluted by multiple heavy metals or metalloids, such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). In order to ensure the safety of food and take full advantage of the limited farmland resources of China, exploring an effective technology to repair contaminated soils is urgent and necessary. In this study, three technologies were employed, including variety screening, water management and foliage dressing, to assess their abilities to reduce the accumulation of Cd and As in the grains of different rice varieties, and meanwhile monitor the related yields. The results of variety screening under insufficient field drying condition showed that the As and Cd contents in the grains of only four varieties [Fengliangyouxiang 1 (P6), Zhongzheyou 8 (P7), Guangliangyou 1128 (P10), Y-liangyou 696 (P11)] did not exceed their individual national standard. P6 gained a relatively high grain yield but accumulated less As and Cd in the grains despite of the relatively high As and Cd concentrations in the rhizosphere soil. However, long-playing field drying in water management trial significantly increased Cd but decreased As content in the grains of all tested three varieties including P6, suggesting an important role of water supply in controlling the accumulation of grain As and Cd. Selenium (Se) showed a stronger ability than silicon (Si) to reduce As and Cd accumulation in the grains of Fengliangyou 4 (P2) and Teyou 524 (P13), and keep the yields. The results of this study suggest that combined application of water management and foliage dressing may be an efficient way to control As and Cd accumulation in the grains of paddy rice exposing to As- and Cd-contaminated soils.