An Investigation on Cd Accumulation Potential in Myrtus communis and Pinus brutia

Heavy metal contamination has disastrous effects on plant productivity and threatens human and animal health. Among metals, cadmium (Cd) is commonly released into the environment from industrial processes. Cd is known to cause cellular damage in plants by producing oxidative stress via the over-production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To combat oxidative damage, plants have developed a defense system consisting of a variety of antioxidant enzymes which can neutralize, convert, and scavenge the ROS. Proline accumulates heavily in several plants under stress providing the plants protection against damage by the ROS. When translocated to the shoots, Cd causes strong oxidative stress and the inhibition of plant metabolism, including photosynthesis by direct and indirect mechanisms. To reduce the environmental risks of cadmium contamination, phytoremediation has been considered as the most promising and a relative new method for cleanup of polluted environments. This study investigated Cd uptake by root through Myrtus communis and Pinus brutia. The objectives of this study were 1. to compare the Cd accumulation of Myrtus communis and Pinus brutia and 2. to provide evidence for the role of proline and soluble sugar in lead tolerance of the studied species.