Single and Combined Effect of Cd and Zn on Growth, Metal Accumulation and Mineral Nutrition in Tobacco Plants (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Abstract

AbstractContamination by heavy metals (HM) is a global concern due to their impact on terrestrial and aquatic environments. This question has great relevance in agricultural areas due to excessive chemical fertilization. In this sense, Cd is a toxic element that can reach agricultural soils through chemical fertilization or sewage sludges. Tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L.) can uptake and accumulate Cd in their tissues, and therefore, an increased risk for human health due to tobacco consumption. This study was performed to evaluate the response of tobacco plants to a single and combined amendment of Cd and Zn on agricultural soil with a pot experiment. A factorial experiment was performed with four Cd levels (0, 25, 50 and 100 mg kg-1) and three Zn levels (0, 15 and 25 mg kg-1). Growth, Cd and Zn bioaccumulation and nutrient uptake parameters were assessed. The results revealed that during the tobacco growth, Cd was bioaccumulated on roots (translocation factor <1), while Zn was bioaccumulated on the aerial part (TF>1). Besides, the Zn amendment significantly decreased the Cd uptake and accumulation, especially under intermediate doses (15 mg kg-1 Zn). Zinc amendments could be helpful as a mitigation measure for Cd uptake in tobacco plants and, therefore, for health risk reduction.