First evidence on different transportation modes of arsenic and phosphorus in arsenic hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata

Arsenic (As) reduction and translocation are key processes for As hyperaccumulation by the hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata L. Micro-X-ray adsorption spectroscopy of P. vittata’s rhizoid tissues revealed that As reduction mainly occurred in endodermis during translocation from epidermis to vascular bundle. Prior to reduction, arsenate (As (V)) translocation was an active process requiring energy and employing a phosphate (P) transporter. Use of a synchrotron X-ray microprobe showed that As (V) and P were cotransported and that this process could be enhanced by As (V) exposure or P deficiency but restrained by energy release inhibition caused by 2,4-dinitrophenol or sodium orthovanadate. In contrast, after As reduction, As(III) translocation differed from P translocation and was more efficient, appearing free from the apparent endodermal blockage. The results here revealed the role of the P transporter on As translocation as well as the key role of As reduction in As hyperaccumulation by P. vittata.

► Arsenate is reduced to arsenite in the endodermis of Pteris vittata rhizoids.
► As(V) and P show great similarity in P. vittata rhizoids.
► As(III) and P do not use the same passway in P. vittata rhizoids.
► The cotransport of As(V) and P can be triggered by As exposure and P deficiency.
► The inhibition of the energy release decreases As(V) and P cotransport.