Appraisal of tissue compartmentalized metal(loid) uptake by rice

Numerous physical and chemical approaches are existing for metal elimination from the soil; nonetheless, phytoremediation is regarded as one of the paramount effective and cost-friendly approach. However, ample work has been done all over the world to appraise phytoremediation capability of plants in controlled conditions; only limited studies are existing on metal uptake abilities of plants cultivated under natural conditions. So, the present work estimates the phytoremediation potential of rice, imperative food crop cultivated in agricultural soils of Punjab with key objective to appraise the accretion and transport of metals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Cd, Ni, As and Pb) in roots, stems and leaves. Data was analysed by using Pearson’s correlation analysis and heatmap analysis. Correlation analysis exhibited strong relationship among metals in soil and different tissues of rice. pH, soil organic carbon and phosphorus showed significant correlation with studied metal(loid)s in the soils affecting their availability and retention. In soil, highest and lowest concentrations of Zn and Pb were found for different sites, respectively. In rice among all the metals, Ni was found maximum in roots and stems, while Zn content was recorded maximum in leaves. The results of bioaccumulation factor and translocation factor were obtained above one for Zn, Mn, Ni, Cr, Cd and Pb, signifying the phytoremediation potential of rice in natural conditions.