Iron-deficiency induces cadmium uptake and accumulation in Solanum nigrum L.

Phytoremediation is a promising tool in removing pollutants from the environment or in rendering them harmless. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of iron-deficiency on the uptake of cadmium by Solanum nigrum L. Results showed that iron-deficiency induced cadmium uptake, biomass decrease and changes in pH and Eh in hydroponic culture. Under iron-deficiency status, the decrease in pH and the increase in Eh might result in higher cadmium availability. Bioconcentration and translocation factors indicated that iron-deficiency status affected cadmium accumulation and translocation in Solanum nigrum L.