Evaluation of cobalt hyperaccumulation and tolerance potential of the duckweed (Lemna minor L.).

Lemna minor could tolerate and accumulate more than 5,000 μg g−1 DW of cobalt (Co) without foliar symptoms, indicating it is a Co hyperaccumulator. However, the physiological and metabolomics mechanisms that are responsible for Co accumulation and tolerance are largely unknown. In the present study, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that CO, CH, and OH groups are involved in Co biosorption. The activation of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, guiacol peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione reductase, as well as ascorbic acid and glutathione might be involved in capturing reactive oxygen species as evidenced by decreased malondialdehyde in fronds treated with Co. Metabolomics analysis revealed that Co stress significantly increased the production of several amino acids (except aspartic acid and cysteine at 200 μM) and organic acids (with the exception of succinic acid). In particular, an approximate 15-fold increase was noted in the citric acid concentration. Upon exposure to Co, increases were observed in citrate synthase, malate dehydrogenase, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activities, and a decrease was observed in isocitrate dehydrogenase related to the metabolism of organic acids. Overall, the increase in concentration of organic and amino acids and antioxidants support their effective involvement in improving Co tolerance and accumulation in L. minor.