Accumulation and tolerance characteristics of cadmium in Chlorophytum comosum: a popular ornamental plant and potential Cd hyperaccumulator.

The effects on the growth, physiological indexes and the cadmium (Cd) accumulation in Chlorophytum comosum under Cd stress were examined by pot-planting. The results showed that the tolerance index (TI) of C. comosum were all above 100 in soil Cd concentration of 100 mg kg(-1). The O(2˙)⁻ production rate and electrical conductivity of C. comosum were significantly positively correlated to Cd adding-concentration while the MDA content increased and had significant differences with the control. The activities of SOD, CAT, and POD all rose significantly in lower Cd concentration and the Cd threshold of them were around 10, 50 and 20 mg kg(-1), respectively. The Cd in C. comosum root and aboveground part reached 1,522 and 865·5 mg kg(-1), respectively, in Cd concentration of soil up to 200 mg kg(-1). For the advantages of high tolerance, high accumulation, and high ornamental value, C. comosum may have tremendous application value in the treatment of Cd-contaminated soils.