Multi-Scale Tolerance Mechanisms of <i>Xanthium strumarium</i> L. Under Lead Stress and Its Application in Phytoremediation

Heavy metal pollution poses a global environmental challenge, with lead (Pb) being particularly concerning due to its persistence and toxicity. This study investigated <i>Xanthium strumarium</i> L. from China’s Yellow River Sanmenxia section through hydroponic experiments (0–600 mg/L Pb&...

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Main Authors: Shilin Xu, Xiaofang Wang, Zichen Meng, Pingyao Cheng, Wei Li, You Zhou, Yongsheng Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Plants
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/9/1307
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author Shilin Xu
Xiaofang Wang
Zichen Meng
Pingyao Cheng
Wei Li
You Zhou
Yongsheng Li
author_facet Shilin Xu
Xiaofang Wang
Zichen Meng
Pingyao Cheng
Wei Li
You Zhou
Yongsheng Li
author_sort Shilin Xu
collection DOAJ
description Heavy metal pollution poses a global environmental challenge, with lead (Pb) being particularly concerning due to its persistence and toxicity. This study investigated <i>Xanthium strumarium</i> L. from China’s Yellow River Sanmenxia section through hydroponic experiments (0–600 mg/L Pb<sup>2+</sup>, 1–11 d exposure) to elucidate its Pb<sup>2+</sup> response mechanisms. Integrated analyses (EDX, FTIR, thermogravimetry, hyperspectral imaging) revealed a three-phase sequestration strategy: the roots immobilized 88.55% of Pb through pectin carboxyl de-esterification and lignin–Pb complexation, while the stems and leaves retained <11.14% and <0.31%, respectively. A critical threshold (300 mg/L) triggered nonlinear Pb accumulation escalation. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated enhanced cell wall stability under Pb stress (66.7% residual carbon increase at 600 mg/L). Hyperspectral features (1670 nm band intensity) effectively tracked physiological stress dynamics. The findings establish <i>X. strumarium</i>’s superior suitability for root-based immobilization rather than phytoextraction in Pb-contaminated sites, with its low translocation efficiency minimizing ecological risks. The identified concentration threshold and spectral biomarkers provide multi-scale insights for optimizing in situ phytostabilization strategies, advancing both theoretical understandings and practical applications in heavy metal remediation.
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spelling doaj-art-99f3c51f3c304f68b45eec50e211e4982025-08-20T02:58:44ZengMDPI AGPlants2223-77472025-04-01149130710.3390/plants14091307Multi-Scale Tolerance Mechanisms of <i>Xanthium strumarium</i> L. Under Lead Stress and Its Application in PhytoremediationShilin Xu0Xiaofang Wang1Zichen Meng2Pingyao Cheng3Wei Li4You Zhou5Yongsheng Li6College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, ChinaCollege of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, ChinaCollege of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, ChinaCollege of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, ChinaCollege of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, ChinaCollege of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, ChinaCollege of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, ChinaHeavy metal pollution poses a global environmental challenge, with lead (Pb) being particularly concerning due to its persistence and toxicity. This study investigated <i>Xanthium strumarium</i> L. from China’s Yellow River Sanmenxia section through hydroponic experiments (0–600 mg/L Pb<sup>2+</sup>, 1–11 d exposure) to elucidate its Pb<sup>2+</sup> response mechanisms. Integrated analyses (EDX, FTIR, thermogravimetry, hyperspectral imaging) revealed a three-phase sequestration strategy: the roots immobilized 88.55% of Pb through pectin carboxyl de-esterification and lignin–Pb complexation, while the stems and leaves retained <11.14% and <0.31%, respectively. A critical threshold (300 mg/L) triggered nonlinear Pb accumulation escalation. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated enhanced cell wall stability under Pb stress (66.7% residual carbon increase at 600 mg/L). Hyperspectral features (1670 nm band intensity) effectively tracked physiological stress dynamics. The findings establish <i>X. strumarium</i>’s superior suitability for root-based immobilization rather than phytoextraction in Pb-contaminated sites, with its low translocation efficiency minimizing ecological risks. The identified concentration threshold and spectral biomarkers provide multi-scale insights for optimizing in situ phytostabilization strategies, advancing both theoretical understandings and practical applications in heavy metal remediation.https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/9/1307lead pollutionphytoremediation<i>Xanthium strumarium</i> L.heavy metal tolerance mechanisms
spellingShingle Shilin Xu
Xiaofang Wang
Zichen Meng
Pingyao Cheng
Wei Li
You Zhou
Yongsheng Li
Multi-Scale Tolerance Mechanisms of <i>Xanthium strumarium</i> L. Under Lead Stress and Its Application in Phytoremediation
Plants
lead pollution
phytoremediation
<i>Xanthium strumarium</i> L.
heavy metal tolerance mechanisms
title Multi-Scale Tolerance Mechanisms of <i>Xanthium strumarium</i> L. Under Lead Stress and Its Application in Phytoremediation
title_full Multi-Scale Tolerance Mechanisms of <i>Xanthium strumarium</i> L. Under Lead Stress and Its Application in Phytoremediation
title_fullStr Multi-Scale Tolerance Mechanisms of <i>Xanthium strumarium</i> L. Under Lead Stress and Its Application in Phytoremediation
title_full_unstemmed Multi-Scale Tolerance Mechanisms of <i>Xanthium strumarium</i> L. Under Lead Stress and Its Application in Phytoremediation
title_short Multi-Scale Tolerance Mechanisms of <i>Xanthium strumarium</i> L. Under Lead Stress and Its Application in Phytoremediation
title_sort multi scale tolerance mechanisms of i xanthium strumarium i l under lead stress and its application in phytoremediation
topic lead pollution
phytoremediation
<i>Xanthium strumarium</i> L.
heavy metal tolerance mechanisms
url https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/9/1307
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