Sulphur nutrition and iron plaque formation on roots of rice seedlings and their consequences for immobilisation and uptake of chromium in solution culture

Aims The contribution of sulphur (S)-induced responses to chromium (Cr) tolerance of rice plants is not yet fully elucidated. It is hypothesised that S nutrition mitigates the accumulation and toxicity of Cr through enhanced formation of iron plaque (IP) and S-containing chelators. This study aimed to investigate the responses of iron (Fe) and Cr availability and transfer in the hydroponic rice system to added S levels. Methods We explored the influence of S nutrition on Cr accumulation in rice under a combination of Cr (VI) (+Cr, –Cr) and S (0, 1.75, 3.5, 7 mM) treatments. Results S additions at rates of 1.75 and 3.5 mMgave the least decline in root and shoot growth of rice seedlings under Cr stress. Fe concentration in shoots was consistent with the level of Cr uptake. The subcellular distribution of Cr in roots and shoots differed with varying S supply levels. Our results also revealed that S treatment at a moderate level (3.5 mM) was more effective in suppressing the bioavailability of Cr in rice shoots than were the other levels. Conclusions S-induced reduction in shoot Cr concentration, particularly from 1.75 to 3.5 mM, was likely attributed to the enhanced biosynthesis of glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatins (PCs) in roots than the enhanced physical resistance of IP induced by S. The poor barrier capacity of IP to Cr absorption in rice plants primarily ascribed to the level of applied Cr concentration and partly to the competition between Cr and S at the absorbing sites.