Lead and Zinc tolerance and accumulation in metallicolous and non-metallicolous populations of Peganum harmala L: potential use in phytostabilization

Peganum harmala L., commonly known as Harmal, is an aromatic and medicinal plant that grows in North Africa. P harmala is a pseudometallophyte that occur both in heavy metals contaminated and non contaminated soils . In order to identify the best adapted and suitable populations within P. harmala species, a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses to lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were performed in three metallicolous populations (MP) and a non-metallicolous one (NMP). In Zaida, Mibladen, and Aouli Morrocan sites, P. harmala growing soils show a low organic matter content, high Pb and Zn concentrations, and a pollution index higher than 1, indicating a significant contamination level. The effects of Pb and Zn on growth, physiological, antioxidant enzyme activities, and Pb/Zn accumulation capacity were compared between a NMP and three MP of P. harmala. Plants were grown in hydroponic culture with 100 mu M of ZnSO4 or 100 mu M of Pb(NO3)(2) for 15 days. Our results show that Pb and Zn significantly decreased the aboveground biomass in the NMP, MP-Mibladen, and MP-Aouli compared to MP-Zaida. Pb and Zn decreased significantly the root biomass in the NMP compared to the MP. There is no significant difference in chlorophyll a and b contents between NMP and MP. Under Pb exposure, anthocyanin content is shown to be significantly higher in MP-Zaida than in other populations. In contrast, there is no difference between NMP and MP under Zn stress. Proline content as well as the catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase activities was significantly higher in NMP than in MP under Pb and Zn exposure. In particular, lower proline content, and antioxidant activities were observed in MP-Zaida under the Pb and Zn exposure. Pb and Zn accumulations were significantly higher in the NMP than in the MP, both in roots and aboveground parts, showing that the NMP plants accumulated highly but tolerated less compared to the MP. In the present study, the MP-Zaida accumulated less Pb and Zn in their tissues and tolerated more than the other populations, suggesting this population as a good candidate for a phytostabilization strategy.