Sodium chloride alters cadmium accumulation and metabolites in halophyte Carpobrotus rossii

Salinity affects plant growth and metabolites in plants, which in turn affect Cd accumulation. Cheng et al. ran a hydroponic experiment to assess the effect of NaCl on the metabolic response to Cd and Cd accumulation in the halophytic Cd-accumulator Carpobrotus rossii (Aizoaceae).

They find NaCl decreased Cd accumulation in the shoot by decreasing Cd root uptake and root-to-shoot translocation even under constant Cd2+ activity. Peptides and organic acids, particularly phytochelatins, play an important role in Cd tolerance and accumulation, but the change of those metabolites is not the reason for the decreased Cd accumulation.

Cheng et al. conclude that C. rossii‘s ability to accumulate cadmium makes it a promising candidate for Cd phytoextraction in Cd-polluted saline soils and estuarine environments.