The effects of radial oxygen loss on arsenic tolerance and uptake in rice and on its rhizosphere

Understanding the complex biotic and abiotic interactions invoked by the rice root system in oxygen-depleted soil is an important step in screening genotypes for low toxic metal or metalloid accumulation. A hydroponic and a rhizobox experiment have been conducted to explore the effects of varying root oxygen release on chemical changes, As fractionation in rhizosphere soil and Fe plaque formation, As uptake and tolerance by different rice genotypes. The results showed that rice genotypes with higher rates of radial oxygen loss (ROL) and at the bolting stage, tended to have greater effects on rhizosphere Eh, pH, Fe3+/Fe2+ quotients, As fractionation and mobility and also on Fe plaque formation compared to those with lower ROL and at the tillering stage. Genotypes with higher ROL have a strong ability to reduce As accumulation in shoots and increase As tolerance by reducing As mobilization in the rhizosphere and by limiting As translocation.

► We investigate the effects of ROL on As tolerance, uptake, and changes in rhizosphere of rice genotypes and their correlation.
► Indices of As tolerance of genotypes are positively correlated with their rates of ROL.
► Genotypes with higher rates of ROL have greater effects on rhizosphere.
► Genotypes with higher rates of ROL have a strong ability to reduce As uptake by immobilizing As on roots and in rhizosphere.