Potential of Talinum paniculatum Cuttings in Lead and Manganese Rhizofiltration

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological characteristics and rhizofiltration potential of Talinum paniculatum cuttings subjected to lead (Pb) and manganese (Mn) excess. The cuttings excised from T. paniculatum were transferred to a nutrient solution, to which different concentrations of Pb (0, 10, 50, 100, and 200 mg L −1 ) and Mn (0, 10, 50, 100, and 150 mg L −1 ) were added. The treatments were maintained for 30 days, then the roots and shoots were collected for the following analyses: biometry, root morphology, antioxidant enzyme activity, and lipid peroxidation. Gas exchange, relative chlorophyll content, and chlorophyll a fluorescence were analyzed at the beginning and end of the experiment. The tolerance index of T. paniculatum cuttings was over 70% for Pb and Mn. The root morphology and antioxidant system activity were the most related to the plant tolerance to excess Pb and Mn. T. paniculatum cuttings showed rapid rooting and growth, increased dry matter accumulation, high Pb and Mn accumulation in roots, and high resistance to Pb and Mn exposure in the hydroponic solution. Taking together, combined with the short life cycle, those characteristics suggest the potential of T. paniculatum use for rhizofiltration of Pb and Mn.