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3226374 
Journal Article 
Morphological and physiological responses of maize (Zea mays) exposed to sand contaminated by phenanthrene 
Dupuy, J; Ouvrard, S; Leglize, P; Sterckeman, T 
2015 
Yes 
Chemosphere
ISSN: 0045-6535
EISSN: 1879-1298 
Elsevier Ltd 
124 
1 
110-115 
English 
25496734 
WOS:000349267100014 
Phytoremediation is promising, but depends on clearly understanding contaminants' impact on plant functioning. We therefore focused on the impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on cultivated plants and understanding the impact of phenanthrene (PHE) on maize functioning (Zea mays). Cultivation was conducted under controlled conditions on artificially contaminated sand with PHE levels increasing from 50 to 750 mg PHE kg(-1). After four weeks, plants exposed to levels above 50 mg PHE kg(-1) presented decreased biomasses and reduced photosynthetic activity. These modifications were associated with higher biomass allocations to roots and lower ones to stems. The leaf biomass proportion was similar, with thinner blades than controls. PHE-exposed plant showed modified root architecture, with fewer roots of 0.2 and 0.4 mm in diameter. Leaves were potassium-deplete, but calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc-enriched. Their content in nitrogen, iron, sulfur and manganese was unaffected. These responses resembled those of water-stress, although water contents in plant organs were not affected by PHE and water supply was not limited. They also indicated a possible perturbation of both nutritional functioning and photosynthesis. 
Phytotoxicity; PAH; Mineral nutrition; Root morphology