The present investigation is the first in situ comparative study for the identification of Ni and Cu accumulation strategies involved in Odontarrhena obovata (syn. Alyssum obovatum (C.A. Mey.) Turcz.) growing in Cu-rich smelter-influenced (CSI) and non-Cu-influenced (NCI) sites. The total and Na2EDTA (disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)-extractable metal concentration in soils and plant tissues (roots, stem, leaves and flowers) were determined for CSI and NCI sites. High concentrations of total Ni, Cr, Co and Mg in the soil suggest serpentine nature of both the sites. In spite of high total and extractable Cu concentrations in CSI soil, majority of its accumulation was restricted to O. obovata roots showing its excluder response. Since the translocation and bioconcentration factors of Ni > 1 and the foliar Ni concentration > 1000 μg g-1, it can be assumed that O. obovata has Ni hyperaccumulation potential for both the sites. No significant differences in chlorophyll content in O. obovata leaves were observed between studied sites, suggesting higher tolerance of this species under prolonged heavy metal stress. Furthermore, this species from CSI site demonstrated rather high viability under extreme technogenic conditions due to active formation of antioxidants such as ascorbate, free proline and protein thiols. The presence of Cu in higher concentration in serpentine soil does not exert detrimental effect on O. obovata and its Ni hyperaccumulation ability. Thus, O. obovata could act as a putative plant species for the remediation of Cu-rich/influenced serpentine soils without compromising its Ni content and vitality.
Keywords: Alyssum obovatum; Antioxidants; Heavy metals; Hyperaccumulator; Mining.