Examination of the Metallothionein Gene Family in Greater Duckweed .

Duckweeds are aquatic plants that proliferate rapidly in a wide range of freshwaters, and they are regarded as a potential source of sustainable biomass for various applications and the cost-effective bioremediation of heavy metal pollutants. To understand the cellular and molecular basis that underlies the high metal tolerance and accumulation capacity of duckweeds, we examined the forms and transcript profiles of the metallothionein (MT) gene family in the model duckweed , whose genome has been completely sequenced. Four MT-like genes were identified and annotated as , , , and .

Functional characterization of metallothionein-like genes from Physcomitrella patens: expression profiling, yeast heterologous expression, and disruption of PpMT1.2a gene.

Physcomitrella patens contains four metallothionein-like genes. Three were shown to confer metal tolerance in yeast. Transcript profiling suggests their roles in senescence and reproductive development or cadmium and oxidative stress.

The biological responses and metal phytoaccumulation of duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza to manganese and chromium.

The phytoaccumulation ability of duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza on manganese (Mn) and chromium (Cr) was assessed by exposing the plant to various concentrations of single or dual metals (5-70 mg L Mn, 2-12 mg L Cr(VI)) under laboratory conditions. The results showed that S. polyrhiza can tolerate Mn at high concentrations of up to 70 mg L, and its growth rate was barely affected by Mn.

Performance of packed bed column using Chara aculeolata biomass for removal of Pb and Cd ions from wastewater.

Biosorption of Pb and Cd from aqueous solution by biomass of Chara aculeolata was studied in a continuous packed bed column. C. aculeolata in the fixed bed column is capable of decreasing Pb and Cd concentrations from 10 mg/L to a value below the detection limit of 0.