Foliar application of flavonoids (rutin) regulates phytoremediation efficiency of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. by altering the permeability of cell membranes and immobilizing excess Cd in the cell wall

The gap between the current serious soil heavy metal (HM) contamination and the low efficiency of soil remediation threatens human health. The aim of this study was to propose a method to improve the efficiency of phytoremediation by exogenous rutin application and explain the potential mechanism. A series of rutin treatments were designed to evaluate the biomass, cadmium (Cd) accumulation and physiological and biochemical responses of Amaranthus hypochondriacus under different Cd stresses. The results showed a decline in cell membrane damage with rutin application, and more Cd ions were immobilized in the cell wall than in the vacuole, resulting in an increase in Cd tolerance in plants. The addition of rutin caused significant effects on the synthesis of glutathione (GSH), including the advancement of the conversion of GSH to phytochelatins (PCs). Among them, PC2 and PC3 in the leaves contributed the most to the high accumulation of Cd. Overall, the phytoremediation efficiency and phytoextraction amount of Amaranthus hypochondriacus with rutin application were improved maximumly by 219.48% and 260.00%, respectively. This study provides a constructive approach for improving the efficiency of phytoremediation by foliar application of flavonoids and contributes to the further development of soil remediation in Cd-contaminated fields. [Display omitted] •Rutin promoted the excess cadmium accumulation in A. hypochondriacus.•Rutin declined cell membrane damage and increased cell tolerance.•Rutin caused more Cd retention occurred in cell walls.•A predication model of excess Cd accumulation was carried out.•Rutin significantly elevated phytoremediation efficiency.