Growth-inhibition patterns and transfer-factor profiles in arsenic-stressed rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Arsenic (As) accumulation in rice owing to uptake from the soil is a critical human health issue. Here, we studied the chemical properties of As-treated soils, growth inhibition patterns of As-stressed rice plants, changes in the As content of soil and soil solutions, and the relationship between As accumulation and As transfer factor from the soil to the rice organs. Rice plants were cultivated in a greenhouse under four concentrations of As: 0 (control), 25, 50, and 75 mg kg(−1). A significant positive correlation was found between available P(2)O(5) and exchangeable K and between As concentration and available P(2)O(5) or exchangeable K. The As concentration for 50% shoot growth inhibition was 50 mg kg(−1). As levels in roots and shoots were positively correlated with the growth stages of rice. The transfer factor (TF)(root/soil) increased with As concentration at the tillering stage but decreased at the heading stage. TF(root/soil) and TF(shoot/soil) were higher at the heading stage than at the tillering stage. As accumulation in the 25 mg kg(−1) treatment was higher during the heading stage, whereas no difference was found at the tillering stage. As accumulation was related to plant biomass and soil As concentration. We found that As accumulation was greater at As concentrations that allowed for plant growth and development. Thus, species-specific threshold concentrations must be determined based on As phytotoxicity for the phytoremediation of As-contaminated soils. Hence, developing practical approaches for managing safe crop production in farmlands with an As contamination of 25 mg kg(−1) or less is necessary. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s10661-017-6350-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.