FTIR analysis and reduction of the phytotoxic effect of mercury dichloride by rutin

Concerns regarding environmental contamination by heavy metals extends worldwide with some studies showing promising alternatives for soil recovery using plants. This research aimed to evaluate the ability of rutin flavonoid to reduce the toxicity of mercury dichloride (HgCl2) in microbiological and vegetable models, by antioxidant tests (DPPH) and chelating assays with Ferro (Fe II) and Ferro (Fe III). The reduction in toxicity was then assessed using microbial models. The cytoprotective potential was evaluated in Lactuca sativa (lettuce) using the products in suballelopathic concentrations of HgCl2. Rutin flavonoid did not reduce the toxicity of HgCl2 in microbiological models, but it improved the development of roots and stems in lettuce seedlings, probably due to the coordination of mercury with the rutin molecule, reducing the toxicity of the metal. The interaction of rutin with mercury chloride was evidenced by vibrational spectroscopy. Although HgCl2 causes cytotoxicity in several plant species, its complex with rutin can mitigate these effects. This is the first report on the cytoprotective activity of rutin flavonoid in a prokaryotic and eukaryotic model against the toxic action of HgCl2.