Rice intercropping with alligator flag (Thalia dealbata): A novel model to produce safe cereal grains while remediating cadmium contaminated paddy soil

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  • Authors: Wang, Jiaxin; Lu, Xuening; Zhang, Jiaen; Ouyang, Ying; Wei, Guangchang; Xiong, Yue
  • Publication Year: 2020
  • Publication Series: Scientific Journal (JRNL)
  • Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122505

Abstract

Phytoremediation has been employed as a cost-effective technique to remove the cadmium (Cd) from soil and
water in several ecosystems. However, little is known about whether intercropping the remediating plants with
rice (Oryza sativa) crop could reduce Cd accumulation in rice grains. We conducted greenhouse pot and concrete
pond trials to explore the effects of intercropping alligator flag (Thalia dealbata, Marantaceae) on soil Cd remediation,
paddy soil and microbial properties, and rice production. Our results suggest that intercropping with
alligator flag significantly decreased Cd absorption, transportation, and accumulation from the soil to the rice
grains (under 0.2 mg kg–1 at a soil Cd content below 2.50 mg kg–1). This decrease was due to the lowered Cd
availability and higher soil pH in the rice-alligator flag intercropping system. Although planting alligator flag
resulted in the reduction of soil NH4-N and NO3-N, Cd content in the rhizosphere was the main factor restricting
microbial biomass, species, and community composition. Alligator flag could tolerate higher Cd contamination, and accumulate and stabilize more Cd in its tissues than rice. Our study suggests that alligator flag intercropped
with rice has potential as a phytostabilization plant to produce rice safely for human consumption in moderately
Cd-contaminated soils.

  • Citation: Wang, Jiaxin; Lu, Xuening; Zhang, Jiaen; Ouyang, Ying; Wei, Guangchang; Xiong, Yue. 2020. Rice intercropping with alligator flag (Thalia dealbata): A novel model to produce safe cereal grains while remediating cadmium contaminated paddy soil. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 394: 122505-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122505.
  • Keywords: Heavy metal pollution, Phytostabilization, Phytoremediation, Oryza sativa, Fe plaque
  • Posted Date: July 23, 2020
  • Modified Date: August 5, 2020

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