Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences (Oct 2006)
Influence of Cadmium Toxicity on Rice Genotypes as Affected by Zinc, Sulfur and Nitrogen Fertilizers
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is among the most widespread and toxic heavy metal in several part of the world. Its toxicity in soil is becoming a severe threat to living organism worldwide. It is one of the main pollutants in paddy fields near industrial areas and highly toxic to plant growth and development of the plants. Cd can be easily taken up by plants and enter the food chain. Therefore, precautionary measurements should be done to reduce accumulation of Cd in crops to alleviate the risk of health hazards in response to Cd-polluted soils. Several strategies have been proposed for the successful management of the Cd-contaminated in crops. One approach, applicable on slightly contaminated soils, is selection of plant genotypes with high ability to repress root uptake and shoot transport of Cd which could be a reasonable approach to alleviate adverse effects of Cd toxicity in crops. Moreover, the toxic effect of Cd can be decreased by proper application of essential nutrients such as Zn, S and N fertilizers Cd contaminated soil.