Effects of arsenite on physiological, biochemical and grain yield attributes of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.): implications for phytoremediation and health risk assessment

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of arsenic (As) on physiological and biochemical attributes of quinoa, and human health risks associated with the consumption of As contaminated grains of quinoa. Quinoa genotype, Puno was grown on soil contaminated with various levels of arsenite; 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg As kg(-1) soil. Results revealed that plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, stomatal conductance, and grain yield of As treated plants were significantly less as compared to control plants. Plants exposed to elevated levels of 30 and 40 mg As kg(-1) of soil could not survive until maturity. Plant roots retained higher concentration of As than shoot indicating As phytostabilizing behavior of quinoa. Arsenic toxicity caused oxidative stress in quinoa plants, which elevated the H2O2 and TBARS contents and decreased membrane stability. This oxidative stress was partly mitigated by the induction of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD, APX). Perhaps, our results regarding As availability might be an overestimate of the typical natural conditions, As accumulation in quinoa grains posed both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks to humans. It was concluded that quinoa is sensitive to As and the consumption of quinoa grains from plants grown on As concentration >= 20 mg kg(-1) of soil was not safe for humans. Novelty statement: The tolerance potential of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) against the trivalent form of arsenic (arsenite), and the health risks due to the consumption of arsenic-contaminated grains has not been explored yet. This is the first study in which we have explored the effects of arsenite on physiological, biochemical and phytoremedial attributes of quinoa. Moreover, human health risks associated with the consumption of As contaminated grains of quinoa has have been investigated. The findings of the present study would be helpful for farmers who intend to grow quinoa on arsenic-contaminated soils.