Effect of lead (Pb) on antioxidation system and accumulation ability of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens)

- Moso bamboo roots tissue accumulated higher Pb content.
- Antioxidative enzymes were effectively activated by Pb stress.
- Photosynthetic pigment contents enhanced by Pb toxicity.
- Moso bamboo could be suitable for remediation of low Pb contaminated soils.

The antioxidation system and accumulation ability of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens), which is a valuable remediation material with large biomass and rapid growth rate were studied in hydroponics and pot experiments. In hydroponics experiment, TBARS concentrations and SOD activities decreased with increase of Pb treatments. The activities of POD boost up with elevated Pb treatments, and reached peak level with application of 400 μM Pb. Proline concentrations reduced with application of 20 μM Pb and then enhanced consistently with application of 100 and 400 μM Pb. The biomass of Moso bamboo improved with increase of Pb treatments upto 400 mg kg−1, and then decreased with application of each additional increment of Pb in pot experiment. Application of 800 mg kg−1 Pb showed significant increase of photosynthetic pigments, however, non significant variation was observed for other treatments. The Pb concentration in roots, stems and leaves attained 523 mg kg−1, 303 mg kg−1 and 222 mg kg−1 respectively with application of 1600 mg kg−1 Pb compared with control. Analysis of TEM-EDX revealed that Pb in cell was mostly concentrated in cytoplasm then in cell wall and followed by vacuole. It is concluded that Moso bamboo may be potential remediation species for phytoremediation in low Pb contaminated soils.