Phytoremediation Potential of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): Identification and Characterization of Heavy Metals Responsive Genes.

Abstract:

This report focused on addressing heavy metal pollution in soils via hyperaccumulator plants. It focuses on industrial hemp to identify two important response genes: glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR) and phospholipase D-alpha (PLDa).

Key Findings:

• Showed that hemp is efficient in removing heavy metals, particularly Copper, Cadmium and Nickel from contaminated soils, making it suitable for phytoremediation

• PLDa and GSR genes help protect plant cells from oxidative damage under stress conditions, through antioxidant enzymes
  - PLDa and GSR genes were found to be present in the hemp leaves, further expressing their role in coping with heavy metal stress
  - Genes may be manipulated in the future to develop more varieties of heavy metal tolerant crop

Context:

• Hemp plant samples were cultivated from Kohi Noor Textile mills, a metal contaminated site in Rawalpindi, Pakistan
  - Metals discharged from this industry include lead, zinc, copper, cobalt, nickel, chromium and cadmium

• For analysis, the plants were kept in an oven at 70°C until completely dry and then ground with a pestle and motor

• The samples were analysed for heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the COMSATS Institute of Information Technology in Abbottabad, Pakistan

Correspondence:

Dr Sabaz A. Khan, Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology,, 22060 Abbottabad, Pakistan

Email: sabaz@ciit.net.pk

Ahmad, R. et al. (2015). Phytoremediation Potential of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): Identification and Characterization of Heavy Metals Responsive Genes. CLEAN - Soil, Air, Water, 44 (2), 195–201.