Cadmium accumulation in Allium schoenoprasum L. grown in an aqueous medium

The ability of Allium schoenoprasum L. (chives) to accumulate and tolerate cadmium in aqueous Hoagland medium at 50 muM and 250 muM was tested under continuous growth or several successive harvests of shoots. After 28 days of continuous growth, chives accumulated the metal up to 0.2% and 0.5% of its dry weight, when grown in 50 muM and 250 muM, respectively. In experiments that the leaves were successively harvested every 16 days, there were no obvious stress symptoms after six harvests during a period of 96 days at 50 muM Cd. At 250 muM, after 64 days and four harvests, inhibition of growth occurred. In each treatment, a total of 1.2 g kg(-1) DW and 2.4 g kg(-1) DW was accumulated in the leaves, respectively. Total SH compounds concentration in leaf was found significantly higher by 3 and 7.4 times in plants treated with Cd at 50 muM and 250 muM in comparison to the control, respectively, while no difference in the concentration of glutathione (GSH + GSSG) was found. Thus, it is assumed that sulphur-containing compounds, yet unknown, are involved in defensive mechanisms against heavy metals in chives. The results presented, point to chives phytoremediation potential, but also on the potential risk in accumulation of heavy metals in a commonly edible plant. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.