Phytoextraction mechanism of Cd by Atriplex lentiformis using some mobilizing agents

•This study aims to investigate the phytoextraction of Cd by quail saltbush.•Sugarcane vinasse and EDTA were used to increase the availability and uptake of Cd.•Quail saltbush plants amended with sugarcane vinassse were able to remove 8.34% of soil Cd.

Little information is available about the Cd-phytoextraction mechanism by quail bush [Atriplex lentiformis (Torr.) S. Wats]. A pot experiment was conducted using a Cd-polluted soil (50 mg kg−1) to explore mechanism of Cd-phytoextraction by quail bush as well as the role of EDTA and vinasse as mobilizing agents. EDTA was applied at a rate of 0, 1, 2, and 3 mmol kg−1, while vinasse was applied at a rate of 0, 4, 8, and 16 ml kg−1. EDTA had negative effects on the physiochemical properties of the soil. In contrast of EDAT, vinasse caused a remarkable betterment in soil conditions where it increased the soil structure and porosity by 35 and 48% and increased the soil acidity by 8.3%. Growth of roots and shoots reduced by 29 and 33%, respectively; when EDTA was applied at a rate of 3 mmol kg−1, on the other hand the application of 16 ml of vinasse kg−1 increased the roots and shoots growth by 20 and 21%, respectively. The highest rate of vinasse induced a 31% increase in chlorophyll content but 3 mmol of EDTA caused a great negative stress in plant growth and induced a 78% increase in proline content. EDTA and vinasse enhanced the transfer of Cd from soil to roots and from roots to shoots. Quail bush amended with vinasse at a rate of 16 ml kg−1 was able to remove 8.34% of the total soil Cd during a 100 days, while that amended with 3 mmol of EDTA was able to remove 5.51%. EDTA was more effective in increasing Cd availability and uptake, but sugarcane vinasse was more effective in enhancing the Cd-phytoextraction. Based on the obtained results, using sugarcane vinasse to enhance Cd-phytoextraction by quail bush is an effective plan to remediate Cd-contaminated soils.