PJB-2023-544
BIOCHAR-MEDIATED AMELIORATION OF NICKEL-INDUCED STRESS IN SPINACH (SPINACIA OLERACEA L.) PLANTS: A PHYTOREMEDIATION APPROACH
Arslan Haider
Abstract
A study was conducted to explore the potential of biochar (BC) in mitigating nickel (Ni) toxicity and remediating soil conditions in two spinach varieties, Desi and Green Gold. We subjected these plants to two BC treatment levels (16.25 and 32.5 grams) in conjunction with a 5 mM Ni treatment. The results showed that the application of 32.5 g of BC per pot significantly improved the length, fresh and dry weight of both shoot and root components, while Ni stress had adverse effects on these growth parameters. Photosynthetic pigments, including chl a, chl b, total chl, and carotenoids, were found to increase markedly under Ni stress conditions when 32.5 g of BC was applied. Biochar also exhibited its ability to reduce the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at this treatment level. This reduction was attributed to the enhanced activity of enzymatic antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), while Ni stress led to elevated MDA and H2O2 levels. Regarding organic osmolytes, the 32.5 g BC treatment showed significant improvements in glycine betaine, total soluble proteins, and total soluble sugars. This mitigated the toxic effects of Ni stress on the plants. Furthermore, BC was found to enhance the uptake of beneficial mineral ions such as calcium (Ca2+) and potassium (K+), while reducing the concentration of harmful sodium (Na+) under Ni stress conditions. In short, the application of 32.5 g of BC per pot had a multifaceted positive impact on the spinach plants. It improved their growth, photosynthetic pigments, organic osmolytes, antioxidants, and ionic content, while simultaneously reducing the oxidative stress induced by Ni. This comprehensive amelioration of Ni stress conditions highlights the potential of BC as an effective strategy for promoting plant health and remediating soil contaminated with Ni.
To Cite this article:
Download
