The Influence of Iron Fertilizer and Sewage Sludge on Plant Growth and Anti-Oxidative Enzyme Activity Against Cadmium Toxicity in Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa L. Var. Longifolia)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of increased iron (Fe1:100 mg Fe kg-1, Fe2:500mg Fe kg-1) and sewage sludge (10% SS) applications against cadmium (100 mg kg-1) toxicity on growth, enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation in lettuce plant, as well as cadmium availability in plant and soil in greenhouse conditions. In the glasshouse experiment, cadmium application caused decrease in plant height, plant weight, and leaf count compared to control. Nevertheless, Cd+Fe1 application resulted in an increase in plant height up to sole Cd application in glasshouse experiment. In comparison to control, cadmium application was increased catalase activity and malondialdehit (MDA) content. In comparison to alone Cd application, Cd+Fe1 application was decreased accumulation of Cd content, catalase activity and MDA content in plant. In comparison to sole Cd application, Cd+Fe2 application resulted in a decrease Cd content of soil. Cd+SS application caused increased plant height, plant weight and number of leaf to sole Cd application. Moreover, Cd + SS application was associated with decrease in Cd availability, catalase activity, and MDA content in plant. These results pointed out that Fe application could be beneficial to ameliorate the toxic effects of Cd; municipal sewage sludge used in this experiment did not reveal a toxic effect due to low levels of heavy metal content and it might be beneficial to reduce Cd toxicity because of its high organic material content. © 2018, Centenary University. All rights reserved.