Effects of cadmium on bioaccumulation and biochemical stress response in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

This study investigated the effects of various Cd concentrations on the bioaccumulation, antioxidative defense, and stress responses of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The distribution characteristics of Cd in rice were in the following order: roots>stems>grains. The bioconcentration factor values of Cd increased at concentrations lower than 3.00mgCd/kg and approximately decreased to a constant value at concentrations higher than 3.00mgCd/kg. Rice showed a higher Cd accumulation potential at low Cd concentrations than at high Cd concentrations. The Freundlich isotherm model described well the adsorption isotherms of Cd in rice roots. The biosorption mechanism of rice roots was determined to be cooperative adsorption. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased at a concentration range of 0.00–5.00mg/L, indicating the enhancement of lipid peroxidation. By contrast, the MDA content slightly decreased at concentrations higher than 5.00mg/L. Peroxidase (POD) activity exhibited active response to oxidative stress at concentrations lower than 5.00mg/L but was inhibited at concentrations higher than 5.00mg/L. The response to Cd stress of the N–H, O–H and C–O functional groups in rice shoots was observed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. •Rice roots are a major sink for Cd accumulation.•The mechanism of biosorption of Cd in rice roots was cooperative adsorption.•POD activity was a major indicator of oxidative stress at low Cd concentrations but was inhibited at high Cd concentrations.•Low Cd concentrations promoted lipid peroxidation, but a small reduction in lipid peroxidation was found at high Cd concentrations.