Assessment of some growth indices and Cd accumulation in shoots and roots of Malva parviflora L. under hydroponic system

In this study, uptake and accumulation of cadmium (Cd) by Malva parviflora L. and as well as some growth parameters were investigated in hydroponic medium. After collecting from the industrial area of Khuzestan steel company, the seeds were sown on the pots containing humus commercial soil and kept under controlled conditions. 47-day-old plants were transferred to nutrition solutions including 0 (control), 10, 50 and 100 µM of Cd. The plants were harvested at 0 (control), 1, 2, 6, 10 and 14 days after supplement with Cd treatments. Based on these results, Cd concentration in shoots and roots showed an increase with increasing Cd concentration of medium. However, both concentration and accumulation of Cd in the roots exhibited higher values than that in the aboveground organs. At 100 µM Cd, maximum Cd concentration in the shoot and root was assayed 224 and 1548 mg/kg DW, respectively. In each harvest time, with increasing Cd concentration of medium, length, fresh weight, dry matter of shoots and roots, blade area also index of tolerance significantly decreased in comparison with control. With regard to TF < 1, it seems that the roots of Mallow mainly possess higher capability than aerial parts to accumulate Cd. In summary, M. parviflora prevent Cd toxicity effects probably by reducing more translocation of Cd to the shoots.