Effects of cadmium exposure on digestive enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation in the freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense

In this study, the effects of cadmium (Cd) stress on the activities of disaccharidases (sucrase, lactase, and maltase), amylase, trypsin, pepsase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the alimentary system of freshwater crabs Sinopotamon henanense were studied. Results showed that the enzyme activities in the stomach, intestine, and hepatopancreas changed with Cd concentration. In terms of digestive enzymes, Cd exposure had an inhibitory effect on the activities of the disaccharidases, amylase, and pepsase (only in the stomach). Significant induction of trypsin activity by Cd at a lower concentration was observed, but as Cd concentration increased, trypsin activity decreased. Maltase activity showed a slight recovery after inhibition by Cd. The activities of SOD and CAT increased initially and decreased subsequently. Cd significantly inhibited the activity of GPx. MDA content increased with increasing concentration of Cd. These results showed that acute Cd exposure led to harmful effects on the alimentary system of crabs, which are likely linked to Cd induced oxidative stress.     

Growth and physiological responses of Pennisetum sp. to cadmium stress under three different soils

Pennisetum sp. was employed as a model species to detect the growth and physiological response to cadmium (Cd) stress at different Cd concentrations (0, 20, 50, and 100 mg kg⁻¹) in three types of soils (yellow brown soil, yellow soil, and red soil). Results showed that the growth of Pennisetum sp. was not significantly influenced by Cd in 20 mg kg⁻¹, but significantly inhibited at higher Cd concentrations in three types of soils. Besides, the higher Cd concentrations, the lower root, stem, and leaf biomass. With Cd concentration of soil increasing, Cd content of root, stem, and leaf increased. Compared with no Cd, high Cd concentrations (50 and 100 mg kg⁻¹) induced the physiological indices (photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate) and biochemical indices (nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase, and glutamate synthase activities) decreasing, but the concentration of NO₃⁻ and NH₄⁺ increasing. The activity of antioxidative enzymes (SOD, POD, and CAT) was disrupted and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) increasing. Pennisetum sp. could protect cells from damage and maintain normal physiological metabolism via increasing the production of soluble sugar and soluble protein, but soluble proteins and soluble sugars were limited in high concentrations of Cd (50 and 100 mg kg⁻¹). Moreover, the growth and physiological response to Cd are different in the three types of soils. The growth of Pennisetum sp. in yellow brown soil was better than that in other two soils, and the gas exchange rate, antioxidant enzyme activity, and nitrogen metabolism in yellow soil and red soil were more affected by Cd stress than that in yellow brown soil. Overall, Pennisetum sp. had certain tolerance and biosorption ability to Cd in different Cd concentrations and different types of soil. Hence, Pennisetum sp. was a suitable choice for Cd remediation, especially in yellow brown soil.

     

Influence of cadmium on antioxidant capacity and four microelement concentrations in tomato seedlings (Lycopersicon esculentum)

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) seedlings were grown in four cadmium (Cd) levels of 0-10 microM in a hydroponic system to analyze the antioxidative enzymes, Cd concentration in the plants, and the interaction between Cd and four microelements. The results showed that there was a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities in the plants subjected to 1-10 microM Cd. This indicates that Cd stress induces an oxidative stress response in tomato plants, characterized by an accumulation of MDA and increase in activities of SOD and POD. Root, stem and leaf Cd concentrations increased with its exposure Cd level, and the highest Cd concentration occurred in roots, followed by leaves and stems. A concentration- and tissue-dependent response was found in the four microelement concentrations to Cd stress in the tomato leaves, stems and roots. Regression analysis showed that there was a significantly negative correlation between Cd and Mn, implying the antagonistic effect of Cd on Mn absorption and translocation. The correlation between Cd and Zn, Cu and Fe were inconsistent among leaves, stems and roots.     

Response of antioxidant enzymes in Nicotiana tabacum clones during phytoextraction of heavy metals

Background, aim, and scope  Tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum, is a widely used model plant for growth on heavy-metal-contaminated sites. Its high biomass and deep rooting system make it interesting for phytoextraction. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidative activities and glutathione-dependent enzymes of different tobacco clones optimized for better Cd and Zn accumulation in order to characterize their performance in the field. Main features  The improved heavy metal resistance also makes the investigated tobacco clones interesting for understanding the plant defense enzyme system in general. Freshly harvested plant material (N. tabacum leaves) was used to investigate the antioxidative cascade in plants grown on heavy metal contaminated sites with and without amendments of different ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate fertilizers. Materials and methods  Plants were grown on heavily polluted soils in north-east Switzerland. Leaves were harvested at the field site and directly deep frozen in liquid N₂. Studies were concentrated on the antioxidative enzymes of the Halliwell–Asada cycle, and spectrophotometric measurements of catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6), ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11), superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), glutathione peroxidase (GPX, EC 1.11.1.9), glutathione reductase (GR, EC 1.6.4.2), glutathione S-transferase (GST, EC 2.5.1.18) were performed. Results and discussion  We tried to explain the relationship between fertilizer amendments and the activity of the enzymatic defense systems. When tobacco (N. tabacum) plants originating from different mutants were grown under field conditions with varying fertilizer application, the uptake of cadmium and zinc from soil increased with increasing biomass. Depending on Cd and Zn uptake, several antioxidant enzymes showed significantly different activities. Whereas SOD and CAT were usually elevated, several other enzymes, and isoforms of GST were strongly inhibited. Conclusions  Heavy metal uptake represents severe stress to plants, and specific antioxidative enzymes are induced at the cost of more general reactions of the Halliwell–Asada cycle. In well-supplied plants, the glutathione level remains more or less unchanged. The lack of certain glutathione S-transferases upon exposure to heavy metals might be problematic in cases when organic pollutants coincide with heavy metal pollution. When planning phytoremediation of sites, mixed pollution scenarios have to be foreseen and plants should be selected according to both, their stress resistance and hyperaccumulative capacity.     

DNA damage and biochemical toxicity of antibiotics in soil on the earthworm Eisenia fetida

DNA damage and changes in enzyme activities were used as biomarkers to evaluate the genotoxicity and oxidative stress of tetracycline and chlortetracycline on the earthworm Eisenia fetida. The results showed that both antibiotics induced significant genotoxicity on earthworms in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01) with chlortetracycline having a stronger effect than tetracycline in the short term. The tests on the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes further indicated biochemical stresses induced by the antibiotics. An N-shaped activity pattern was noted with the enzyme activities being stimulated first, then inhibited, and stimulated again with increasing concentration. The induced activity of SOD or CAT could scavenge oxygen free radicals and protect the organisms against oxidative stress by alleviating the corresponding DNA damage. Compared to enzyme activities, DNA damage as a biomarker was more sensitive and is thus more suitable for detecting low concentration exposure and diagnosing the genotoxicity of contaminants in terrestrial environment.     

Cadmium accumulation, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in Pistia stratiotes L.

The aquatic plant Pistia stratiotes L. (water lettuce) was studied due to its capability of absorption of contaminants in water and its subsequent use in wetlands constructed for wastewater treatment. The effects of Cd on root growth, accumulation of Cd, antioxidant enzymes, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in P. stratiotes were investigated. The results indicated that P. stratiotes has considerable ability to accumulate Cd. Cadmium induced higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities than catalase activity, suggesting that SOD and POD provided a better defense mechanism against Cd-induced oxidative damage. The accumulation of Cd promoted MDA production.     

Copper and zinc induction of lipid peroxidation and effects on antioxidant enzyme activities in the microalga Pavlova viridis (Prymnesiophyceae)

The metal-induced lipid peroxidation and response of antioxidative enzymes have been investigated in the marine microalga Pavlova viridis to understand the mechanisms of metal resistance in algal cells. We have analyzed superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities and glutathione (GSH) contents in microalgal cells grown at different concentrations of copper and zinc. In response to each metal, lipid peroxidation was enhanced with the increase of concentrations, as an indication of the oxidative damage caused by metal concentration assayed in the microalgae cells. Exposure of P. viridis to the two metals caused changes in enzyme activities in a different manner, depending on the metal assayed: after copper treatments, total SOD activity was enhanced, while it was reduced after zinc exposure. Copper and zinc stimulated the activities of CAT and GSH whereas GPX showed a remarkable increase in activity in response to copper treatments and decrease after zinc treatments. These results suggest that an activation of some antioxidant enzymes was enhanced to counteract the oxidative stress induced by the two metals.     

Antioxidative response to Cd in a newly discovered cadmium hyperaccumulator, Arabis paniculata F

A hydroponic experiment was carried out to study the effect of cadmium (Cd) on growth, Cd accumulation, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and antioxidative enzymes in leaves and roots of Arabis paniculata F., a new Cd hyperaccumuator found in China. The results showed that 22-89 microM Cd in solution enhanced the growth of A. paniculata after three weeks, with 21-27% biomass increase compared to the control. Cd concentrations in shoots and roots increased with increasing Cd supply levels, and reached a maximum of 1662 and 8670 mg kg(-1) Cd dry weight at 178 microM Cd treatment, respectively. In roots, 22-89 microM Cd reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide (O(2)(-1)) and H(2)O(2) as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR). In leaves, the contents of MDA, O(2)(-1) and H(2)O(2) remained unaffected by 22-89 microM Cd, while 178 microM Cd treatment significantly increased the MDA content, 69.5% higher than that of the control; generally, the activities of SOD, catalase (CAT), GPX and APX showed an increasing pattern with increasing Cd supply levels. Our present work concluded that A. paniculata has a great capability of Cd tolerance and accumulation. Moderate Cd treatment (22-89 microM Cd) alleviated the oxidative stress in roots, while higher level of Cd addition (178 microM) could cause an increasing generation of ROS, which was effectively scavenged by the antioxidative system.     

Physiological and molecular responses of the earthworm <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eisenia fetida</Emphasis> to polychlorinated biphenyl contamination in soil

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of man-made organic compounds ubiquitously present in the biosphere. In this study, we evaluated the toxic effects of different concentrations of PCBs in two natural soils (i.e. red soil and fluvo-aquic soil) on the earthworm Eisenia fetida. The parameters investigated included anti-oxidative response, genotoxic potential, weight variation and biochemical responses of the earthworm exposed to two different types of soils spiked with PCBs after 7 or 14 days of exposure. Earthworms had significantly lower weights in both soils after PCB exposure. PCBs significantly increased catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) activity in earthworms exposed to either soil type for 7 or 14 days and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in earthworms exposed to red soil for 14 days. Of the enzymes examined, SOD activity was the most sensitive to PCB stress. In addition, PCB exposure triggered dose-dependent coelomocyte DNA damage, even at the lowest concentration tested. This response was relatively stable between different soils. Three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the weight variation, anti-oxidant enzyme activities, and MDA contents were significantly correlated with exposure concentration or exposure duration (P < 0.01). Furthermore, weight variation, CAT activity, and SOD activity were significantly affected by soil type (P < 0.01). Therefore, the soil type and exposure time influence the toxic effects of PCBs, and these factors should be considered when selecting responsive biomarkers.     

Inhibition of the antioxidant activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase from Fusarium verticillioides exposed to a Jacquinia macrocarpa antifungal fraction

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effect of an antifungal fraction obtained from Jacquinia macrocarpa plant (JmAF) in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activity of the catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes from Fusarium verticillioides, as well as their influence in the viability of the fungus spores. The compounds present in the JmAF were determined by gas chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC/QTOF-MS). The effect of the exposition to JmAF on the generation of ROS, as well as in the CAT and SOD activities in F. verticillioides, was determined. The main compounds detected were γ-sitosterol, stephamiersine, betulinol and oleic acid. JmAF showed very high ability in inhibiting the spore viability of F. verticillioides, and their capacity to cause oxidative stress by induction of ROS production. JmAF induced the highest ROS concentration and also inhibited CAT and SOD activities. The results obtained in this study indicate that JmAF is worthy of being considered for the fight against phytopathogenic fungi.     

Acute effects of copper and mercury on the estuarine fish Pomatoschistus microps: Linking biomarkers to behaviour

The main objective of the present study was to investigate possible links between biomarkers and swimming performance in the estuarine fish Pomatoschistus microps acutely exposed to metals (copper and mercury). In independent bioassays, P. microps juveniles were individually exposed for 96 h to sub-lethal concentrations of copper or mercury. At the end of the assays, swimming performance of fish was measured using a device specially developed for epibenthic fish (SPEDE). Furthermore, the following biomarkers were measured: lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the activity of the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione S-transferases (GST), 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). LC₅₀s of copper and mercury (dissolved throughout metal concentrations) at 96 h were 568 μg L⁻¹ and 62 μg L⁻¹, respectively. Significant and concentration-dependent effects of both metals on swimming resistance and covered distance against water flow were found at concentrations equal or higher than 50 μg L⁻¹ for copper and 3 μg L⁻¹ for mercury (dissolved throughout metal concentrations). These results indicate that SPEDE was efficacious to quantify behavioural alterations in the epibenthic fish P. microps at ecologically relevant concentrations. Significant alterations by both metals on biomarkers were found including: inhibition of AChE and EROD activities, induction of LDH, GST and anti-oxidant enzymes, and increased LPO levels, with LOEC values ranging from 25 to 200 μg L⁻¹ for copper and from 3 to 25 μg L⁻¹ for mercury (dissolved throughout metal concentrations). Furthermore, significant and positive correlations were found between some biomarkers (AChE and EROD) and behavioural parameters, while negative correlations were found for others (LPO, anti-oxidant enzymes and LDH) suggesting that disruption of cholinergic function through AChE inhibition, decreased detoxification capability due to EROD inhibition, additional energetic demands to face chemical stress, and oxidative stress and damage may contribute to decrease the swimming performance of fish. Since a reduced swimming capability of fish may reduce their ability to capture preys, avoid predators, and interfere with social and reproductive behaviour, the exposure of P. microps to copper and/or mercury concentrations similar to those tested here may decrease the fitness of wild populations of this species.     

Physiological mechanism of plant roots exposed to cadmium

Physiological experiments on plant roots exposed to cadmium were conducted on carrot and radish using a liquid culture and a pot experiment with a series of cadmium applications. Activities of four enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, superoxide dismutase), and concentrations of free proline and malonaldehyde in the roots of both plants were investigated. Results showed that the germination rate and growth of roots of both plants were inhibited at the concentration of 20 mg Cd/l, and the inhibition was increased with the increasing concentrations of cadmium, both in the liquid culture and in the pot experiment; activities of the four enzymes declined similarly in both species. The concentration of proline in roots reached the maximum when the application of cadmium was at the level of 20 mg/l in the liquid culture (or 20 mg/kg in soil), and then it declined slowly with the increasing concentration of cadmium. However, the reverse trend was observed for the concentration of malonaldehyde. All of bio-indicators measured here was quite sensitive to the addition of cadmium.     

Cadmium accumulation and its influence on lipid peroxidation and antioxidative system in an aquatic plant, Bacopa monnieri L

Bacopa monnieri L. plants exposed to 10, 50, 100 and 200 microM cadmium (Cd) for 48, 96 and 144 h were analysed with reference to the accumulation of metal and its influence on various enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), photosynthetic pigments and protein content. The accumulation of Cd was found to be increased in a concentration and duration dependent manner with more Cd being accumulated in the root. TBARS content of the treated roots and leaves increased with increase in Cd concentration and exposure periods, indicating the occurrence of oxidative stress. Induction in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guiacol peroxidase (GPX) was recorded in metal treated roots and leaves of B. monnieri. In contrast, a significant reduction in catalase activity in Cd treated B. monnieri was observed. An increase was also noted in the levels of cysteine and non-protein thiol contents of the roots of B. monnieri followed by a decline. However, in leaves, cysteine and non-protein thiol contents were found to be enhanced at all the Cd concentrations and exposure periods. A significant reduction in the level of ascorbic acid was observed in a concentration and duration dependent manner. The total chlorophyll and protein content of B. monnieri decreased with increase in Cd concentration at all the exposure periods. Results suggest that toxic concentrations of Cd caused oxidative damage as evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation and decreased chlorophyll and protein contents. However, B. monnieri is able to combat metal induced oxidative injury involving a mechanism of activation of various enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants.     

Antioxidant metabolism of coffee cell suspension cultures in response to cadmium

The antioxidant responses of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) cell suspension cultures to cadmium (Cd) were investigated. Cd accumulated very rapidly in the cells and this accumulation was directly correlated with an increase in applied CdCl(2) concentration in the external medium. At 0.05mM CdCl(2), growth was stimulated, but at 0.5mM CdCl(2), the growth rate was reduced. An alteration in activated oxygen metabolism was detected by visual analysis as well as by an increase in lipid peroxidation at the higher CdCl(2) concentration. Catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6), glutathione reductase (GR; EC 1.6.4.2) and superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1) activity increased, particularly at the higher concentration of CdCl(2). Ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11) activity was increased at the lower CdCl(2) concentration used, but could not be detected in cells growing in the higher CdCl(2) concentration after 24h of growth, whilst guaiacol peroxidase (GOPX; EC 1.11.1.7) did not show a clear response to Cd treatment. An analysis by non-denaturing PAGE followed by staining for enzyme activity, revealed one CAT isoenzyme, nine SOD isoenzymes and four GR isoenzymes. The SOD isoenzymes were differently affected by CdCl(2) treatment and one GR isoenzyme was shown to specifically respond to CdCl(2). The results suggest that the higher concentrations of CdCl(2) may lead to oxidative stress. The main response appears to be via the induction of SOD and CAT activities for the removal of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and by the induction of GR to ensure the availability of reduced glutathione for the synthesis of Cd-binding peptides, which may also be related to the inhibition of APX activity probably due to glutathione and ascorbate depletion.     

Metal accumulation in the earthworm Lumbricus rubellus. Model predictions compared to field data

The mechanistic bioaccumulation model OMEGA (Optimal Modeling for Ecotoxicological Applications) is used to estimate accumulation of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in the earthworm Lumbricus rubellus. Our validation to field accumulation data shows that the model accurately predicts internal cadmium concentrations. In addition, our results show that internal metal concentrations in the earthworm are less than linearly (slope<1) related to the total concentration in soil, while risk assessment procedures often assume the biota-soil accumulation factor (BSAF) to be constant. Although predicted internal concentrations of all metals are generally within a factor 5 compared to field data, incorporation of regulation in the model is necessary to improve predictability of the essential metals such as zinc and copper.     

Ecotoxicological responses of the earthworm Eisenia fetida exposed to soil contaminated with HHCB

Although polycyclic musks have been shown to cause lethal and sub-lethal effects on organisms, their biochemical toxicity to earthworms is not well understood. In the current study, we investigated the responses of antioxidant systems and lipid peroxidation after exposing Eisenia fetida to soil contaminated with 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl-cyclopenta-γ-2-benzopyran (HHCB). Significant increase in lipid peroxidation level was observed on day 14 at two high concentrations, 50 and 100 mg kg⁻¹. Among antioxidant enzymes, the primary response to chronic HHCB exposure can be attributed to superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Of the two enzymes, SOD exhibited more sensitive response to HHCB stress. In addition, these two enzymes could have a combined effect on fighting damage by reactive oxygen species, evidenced by a marked relationship between lipid peroxidation and enzyme activity. On the other hand, dose-dependent inhibition of peroxidase (POD) activity has been observed throughout the test. The results suggest that the variations in investigated parameters of E. fetida could be used as responsive biomarkers for oxidative stress caused by HHCB in a soil environment.     

Multi-generation cadmium acclimation and tolerance in Daphnia magna Straus

The cladoceran Daphnia magna was acclimated for seven generations to cadmium concentrations ranging from 0 (control) to 250 microg/l Cd (corresponding to a free ion activity of 4.60 nM Cd2+). Acute and chronic cadmium tolerance as well as cadmium accumulation were monitored as a function of acclimation time. After two to three generations of acclimation to concentrations ranging from 0.23 to 1.11 nM Cd2+ increases in acute tolerance were maximal (factor 7.2) and significant. Acclimation for seven generations to the same acclimation concentrations did result in an increased chronic cadmium tolerance (21 days EC50 values increased). Organisms acclimated to 1.93 nM Cd2+ were equally or more sensitive than non-acclimated daphnids in acute and chronic toxicity tests. Cadmium contents in D. magna increased significantly as a function of the acclimation concentration. Maximum body burdens of 236+/-30 microg Cd/g dry weight were measured in organisms exposed to 4.60 nM Cd2+, but detoxification mechanisms were only successful up to 82+/-20 microg Cd/g dry weight as this concentration did not cause major decreases in survival and reproduction in chronic toxicity tests. As the potential positive effect of acclimation on cadmium tolerance disappeared with successive acclimation generations and increasing acclimation concentrations, it is concluded that multi-generation acclimation studies are important for the evaluation of the long-term effects of environmental toxicants.     

Column- and catchment-scale transport of cadmium: effect of dissolved organic matter

In the Ellen catchment on the Pinjarra Plain, NE of Perth in Western Australia, cadmium from fertilisers is starting to leach from soils. About 70% of surface soils in the Ellen catchment are sandy and often on top of a shallow ephemeral water table. Adsorption of Cd in the sandy soils of the Ellen catchment was studied by batch adsorption and by leaching small columns of soil. Adsorption of Cd increases linearly with increasing soil organic matter content and exponentially with increasing pH. Cadmium is significantly mobilised in the sandy soils by dissolved organic matter.The capacity of most of the sandy soils in the Ellen catchment to adsorb phosphate from fertiliser has been saturated. Resulting concentrations in Ellen Brook average 500 μg L⁻¹ P. Cadmium is adsorbed more strongly in the sandy soils than phosphate and is just starting to leach into Ellen Brook. From a comparison of Cd/P ratios in water, soils and fertiliser, cadmium concentrations in Ellen Brook are estimated to be at 10–30% of their maximum for complete breakthrough from soils. Present concentrations of Cd in Ellen Brook average 0.1 μg L⁻¹ and are estimated to approach the maximum for complete breakthrough in 100 yr. Maximum Cd concentrations in Ellen Brook could range from 0.6 to 2 μg L⁻¹, depending on rates of input with fertiliser and future increases in agricultural land use in the catchment.Breakthrough curves, resulting from leaching Cd through small columns of sandy soil, indicate that adsorption significantly increases the effective hydrodynamic dispersion of Cd. Longitudinal dispersivities, measured at pore-water velocities of 0.7–14 m day⁻¹, were 5 cm for Cd and 0.1–0.2 cm for chloride. The much greater dispersion of Cd in the sandy soils than of chloride is shown not to be caused by non-equilibrium adsorption.     

Joint stress of chlorimuron-ethyl and cadmium on wheat Triticum aestivum at biochemical levels

Biochemical responses to joint stress of chlorimuron-ethyl and cadmium (Cd) in wheat Triticum aestivum were examined. The joint action of chlorimuron-ethyl and Cd weakened the inhibition of Cd or chlorimuron-ethyl on the formation of chlorophyll. It was deduced that wheat plants had the capability to protect themselves by increasing the activity of the antioxidant enzyme peroxidase (POD) with the exposure time. The joint effect of chlorimuron-ethyl and Cd on the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in leaves was additive, while the joint effect on the SOD activity in roots was determined by the interaction of chlorimuron-ethyl and Cd in wheat. It was also concluded that the change of malondialdehyde (MDA) content in wheat might not be a good biomarker in the oxidative damage by chlorimuron-ethyl, while a decrease in the soluble protein content and POD activity in roots could be considered as a biomarker in the damage of wheat by chlorimuron-ethyl and Cd.