Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) has been widely adopted for phytomanagement of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soils due to its high biomass production and Cd accumulation capacity. This paper reviewed the toxic effects of Cd and its management by maize plants. Maize could tolerate a certain level of Cd in soil while higher Cd stress can decrease seed germination, mineral nutrition, photosynthesis and growth/yields. Toxicity response of maize to Cd varies with cultivar/varieties, growth medium and stress duration/extent. Exogenous application of organic and inorganic amendments has been used for enhancing Cd tolerance of maize. The selection of Cd-tolerant maize cultivar, crop rotation, soil type, and exogenous application of microbes is a representative agronomic practice to enhance Cd tolerance in maize. Proper selection of cultivar and agronomic practices combined with amendments might be successful for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soils with maize. However, there might be the risk of food chain contamination by maize grains obtained from the Cd-contaminated soils. Thus, maize cultivation could be an option for the management of low- and medium-grade Cd-contaminated soils if grain yield is required. On the other hand, maize can be grown on Cd-polluted soils only if biomass is required for energy production purposes. Long-term field trials are required, including risks and benefit analysis for various management strategies aiming Cd phytomanagement with maize.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 259-277 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Environmental geochemistry and health |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2017 Apr 1 |
Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2016, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.
Keywords
- Biochar
- Bioremediation
- Chelating agents
- Phytoextraction
- Phytoremediation
- Silicon
- Soil amendment
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Chemistry
- Water Science and Technology
- General Environmental Science
- Geochemistry and Petrology