Spatial Distribution of Enzyme Activities in the Rhizosphere of Celosia argentea Linn. in Cd-contaminated Soil Using in-situ Soil Zymography

Objective The aim was to investigate the influence of soil cadmium (Cd) contamination on the spatial distribution of β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase in the rhizosphere of Cd hyperaccumulator Celosia argentea Linn.

Method The in-situ soil zymography was used to obtain the distribution of β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase in the rhizosphere of C. argentea in Cd-polluted soil and non-polluted soil.

Result The Results showed that the hot spots of β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase were along entire root of C. argentea, which were relatively higher at the root tips. In both the polluted and non-polluted soils, the grey value of β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase at the root center were significantly higher than those 2 mm away from the root center. In Cd-polluted soil, the grey value of β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase in the root center decreased by 5% and 3% when compared to that in the non-polluted soil.

Conclusion The results showed that the spatial distribution of soil enzyme activities was closely related to the root distribution. Soil Cd contamination had a significant negative influence on the soil enzyme activities.