Biochar improves the adaptability of Vicia faba L in cadmium contaminated soil

Cadmium (Cd) is widely present in pesticides and fertilizers, which represent a major problem in crop production. Biochar is recognized for its ability to modify Cd availability and reduce plant phytotoxicity. In this work, a controlled lab-experiment was done in order to assess the effect of biochar on Cd uptake, growth and oxidative stress of Vicia faba L plants. For that, in addition to the control (CK), soils were exposed to both concentrations of Cd (Cd1: 0.35 mg kg(-1) and Cd2: 0.7 mg kg(-1)). Then, bean seeds were cultivated in presence or absence of biochar (2%) for 60 days. Cd uptake was assessed in both shoots and roots. Growth and physiological parameters (length, fresh matter (FM), dry matter (DM), Chlorophyll a and b (Chl a and Chl b) were determined after harvesting. Oxidative stress, apprehended by Peroxidase (PRX) and Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) activities and Malondialdehydes (MDA) accumulation, was evaluated. Then, biochar reduced Cd uptake in roots and shoots. Also, under biochar effect growth and physiological parameters were enhanced. Oxidative stress was reduced regarding PRX and GST activities and MDA accumulation. Our results suggest the efficiency of biochar to reduce Cd uptake and plant phytotoxicity of Vicia faba L in Cd polluted soils, therefore its application in soil remediation strategies.