Phytotoxicity mechanism of the natural radionuclide thorium in Vicia faba

Elucidation of the phytotoxic mechanisms of thorium (Th) is important for controlling Th accumulation in crops and improving the efficiency of phytoremediation. Here, we analyzed the subcellular distribution of Th in Vicia faba seedlings and the toxic reaction of seedlings to Th (5-40 mu mol.L-1) at the subcellular and cellular levels. Increasing the phosphate level in the culture medium from 0.01 to 0.1 mmol.L-1 decreased the Th accumulation by the mots by 47-57%. Th was mainly distributed in the mot cell walls (94-96%) and existed mainly in the form of residue (92-94%). Th accumulation in the root was similar to the changes observed for P, Ni, Cu, and Fe. High concentrations of Th (40 mu mol.L-1) induced abnormal root growth and leaf photosynthetic metabolism. At the cellular level, Th (40 mu mol.L-1) induced root edge cell death and inhibited root respiration and cell mitosis. SOD, POD and CAT activities were involved in the regulation of reactive oxygen species accumulation in the mots. Untargeted metabolomics identified 580 and 262 differentially expressed metabolites in roots and leaves. At the metabolic level, its toxicological mechanism involved a severe inhibition of the expression of nucleotides in roots and leaves.

Automated summary

The study revealed that high levels of Th accumulation in plant cell walls had adverse effects on crop growth and photosynthesis, as well as inhibiting root respiration and cell mitosis. Additionally, the study identified the involvement of SOD, POD, and CAT activities in regulating reactive oxygen species accumulation in cell walls.