Photosynthetic and antioxidant response of wheat to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) contamination in the soil.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a commonly used, artificially-synthesized, industrial chemical that can be released into the soil. However, to date, there is no comprehensive study on the effects of DEHP on photosynthesis, induction of reactive oxygen species, and response of the antioxidant defense system in wheat plants growing in DEHP contaminated soil. This study was conducted to address this gap in knowledge. Our results showed that after application of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg DEHP, photosynthetic parameters, fluorescence parameters, and chlorophyll content of wheat leaves at seedling, jointing, and booting stages decreased, while the intercellular carbon dioxide concentration increased. This indicates that the observed decrease in net photosynthetic rate in wheat leaves was due to a non-stomatal limitation, wherein DEHP seems to have hindered the photoelectron transfer process. Both superoxide anion (O) and hydrogen peroxide (HO) content increased in the roots, stems, and leaves in plant under DEHP treatment compared with those in the control plants. Antioxidant enzyme activity increased with increasing DEHP stress, except under the 40 mg/kg treatment at the seedling stage. The antioxidant system had a certain protective effect on wheat, but DEHP still caused peroxidation of cell membrane lipids. The extent of DEHP damage to the roots, stems, and leaves was concentration dependent. Furthermore, enzymatic activity tolerance increased with metabolism, and long-term effects of DEHP gradually decreased with plant growth. Finally, the toxic effects of DEHP on root tissues were more serious at the seedling and jointing stages.