Alleviating the toxic effects of Cd and Co on the seed germination and seedling biochemistry of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using Azolla pinnata

One of the most significant environmental challenges in the twenty-first century is heavy metal pollution. The potential use of fresh Azolla pinnata to alleviate the toxic effects of Cd and Co on the germination measurements of wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum L.) and the biochemistry of seedlings was studied. Two concentrations (80 and 100 mg L(−1) solutions) of CdNO(3) and CoCl(2) were used before and after treatment with A. pinnata. The highest removal efficiency (RE) by A. pinnata was obtained on the fifth day, with a Cd RE = 55.9 and 49.9% at 80 and 100 mg L(−1), respectively. Cadmium and cobalt solutions reduced the germination percentage, and the measured variables of wheat seeds meanwhile increased the radicle phytotoxicity. In contrast, the presence of A. pinnata in the germination medium increased all the measured variables and decreased radicle phytotoxicity. At 80 and 100 mg L(−1), Cd significantly reduced the fresh and dry biomass, and height of wheat seedlings after 21 days of cultivation compared to Co. Cadmium and high concentrations of cobalt increased the contents of H(2)O(2), proline, MDA, phenolic, and flavonoid compounds. The application of treated Cd and Co solutions by A. pinnata showed a decrease in H(2)O(2), proline, phenolic, and flavonoid compounds levels accompanied by a reduction in catalase and peroxidase activities compared to the control. This study showed the positive role of A. pinnata in alleviating the metal impacts, particularly Cd, on the seedling growth of wheat and its germination. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11356-023-27566-1.