Research on the Mechanisms of Plant Enrichment and Detoxification of Cadmium

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Generally, plants undergo a series of oxidative damage and even die after being stressed by cadmium (Cd). Recently, numerous studies about hyperaccumulators that can tolerate and enrich cadmium in the environment have been reported, revealing its potential in restoration of heavy metal pollution. However, there is a lack of systemic understanding of the mechanisms of Cd accumulation and detoxification by hyperaccumulators. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to investigate how these plants absorb, transport, and distribute Cd. The role of plant roots, compartmentalization, chelation, antioxidants, stress, and osmotic adjustment in bioaccumulation of Cd are comprehensively discussed. This review contributes to further understanding the mechanisms of plant enrichment and detoxification of heavy metals. ABSTRACT: The heavy metal cadmium (Cd), as one of the major environmentally toxic pollutants, has serious impacts on the growth, development, and physiological functions of plants and animals, leading to deterioration of environmental quality and threats to human health. Research on how plants absorb and transport Cd, as well as its enrichment and detoxification mechanisms, is of great significance to the development of phytoremediation technologies for ecological and environmental management. This article summarises the research progress on the enrichment of heavy metal cadmium in plants in recent years, including the uptake, transport, and accumulation of Cd in plants. The role of plant roots, compartmentalisation, chelation, antioxidation, stress, and osmotic adjustment in the process of plant Cd enrichment are discussed. Finally, problems are proposed to provide a more comprehensive theoretical basis for the further application of phytoremediation technology in the field of heavy metal pollution.