Graphitic carbon nitride alleviates cadmium toxicity to soybeans through nitrogen supply.

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) is a promising candidate for heavy metal remediation, primarily composed of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). It has been demonstrated that g-CN adjusts rhizosphere physicochemical conditions, especially N conditions, alleviating the absorption and accumulation of Cadmium (Cd) by soybeans. However, the mechanisms by which g-CN induces N alterations to mitigates plant uptake of Cd remain unclear. This study investigated the impact of g-CN-mediated changes in N conditions on the accumulation of Cd by soybeans using pot experiments. It also explored the microbiological mechanisms underlying alterations in soybean rhizospheric N cycling induced by g-CN. It was found that g-CN significantly increased N content in the soybean rhizosphere (p < 0.05), particularly in terms of available nitrogen (AN) of nitrate and ammonium. Plants absorbed more ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N), the content of which in the roots showed a significant negative correlation with Cd concentration in plant (p < 0.05). Additionally, g-CN significantly affected rhizospheric functional genes associated with N cycling (p < 0.05) by increasing the ratio of the N-fixation functional gene nifH and decreasing the ratios of functional genes amoA and nxrA involved in nitrification. This enhances soybean's N-fixing potential and suppresses denitrification potential in the rhizosphere, preserving NH₄⁺-N. Niastella, Flavisolibacter, Opitutus and Pirellula may play a crucial role in the N fixation and preservation process. In summary, the utilization of g-CN offers a novel approach to ensure safe crop production in Cd-contaminated soils. The results of this study provide valuable data and a theoretical foundation for the remediation of Cd polluted soils.