Phosphorus- and Iron-Deficiency Stresses Affect Arsenic Accumulation and Root Exudates in Pteris vittata

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe) are important elements for arsenic (As) transportation between plant and As contaminated soil. In the case of As phytoremediation, a better understanding of the roles to the P and Fe in regulating As bioavailability and plant growth will be beneficial to optimize the phytoremediation process. In this study, we demonstrated that both As absorption and translocation from root to shoot of Pteris vittata were enhanced under phosphorus deficiency. In high arsenic concentration treatments, P. vittata assimilated more As under nutrient deficiency. Moreover, As persuaded plants to secrete oxalic acid in sufficient nutrients. P- and Fe-deficiency stimulate more oxalic acid exuded by plants.