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4628462 
Journal Article 
Contribution of Structural and Functional Traits in Turgor Maintenance of Pistia stratiotes under Cadmium Toxicity 
Zahoor, A; Ahmad, F; Hameed, M; Basra, SMA 
2018 
Yes 
International Journal of Agriculture and Biology
EISSN: 1560-8530 
20 
6 
1391-1396 
WOS:000433197100019 
Plants of Pistia stratiotes L. were collected from industrial effluents along Sheikhupura-Lahore road in order to examine morpho-anatomical and physiological mechanism for turgor maintenance to cope metal toxicity. Plants were subjected to cadmium stress (3CdSO(4).6H(2)O) and levels for Cd2+, were 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg L-1 in aqueous medium. Growth of the P. sfratiotes L. in terms of plant height and biomass production was reduced under cadmium stress. P. stratiotes accumulated proline, total proteins and total free amino acids in higher amount under cadmium stress. Metals increased uptake of both Ca2+ and K+ in roots but higher doses of cadmium disturbed ionic balance. Root epidermal cell area increased as the stress level increased but higher level of cadmium showed reduction in this parameter. Cortical region thickness and cortical cell area increased significantly under cadmium stress, and this can be related to accumulation of organic and inorganic substances in storage parenchyma. A significant increase was also recorded in aerenchymatous area and phloem area that ensures efficient gaseous exchange and translocation of photosynthates, hence successful survival under polluted environments. Leaf anatomical characteristics like abaxial or adaxial epidermal cell area were relatively more sensitive to Cd stress showing a significant reduction at higher Cd levels. Trichome number increased at all levels of stress enabling P. stratiotes to resist water loss through leaf surface, indicating its high degree of tolerance. P. sfratiotes accumulated Cd mainly in roots, and therefore it is concluded that this species is metal accumulator and can be used for phytoremediation of Cd-polluted soils and water. (C) 2018 Friends Science Publishers. 
Cations; Organic osmotica; Cadmium toxicity; Trichomes; Storage parenchyma; Phytoremediation