Copper localization in Cannabis sativa grown in a copper-rich solutionPiera Bonatti, Laura Arru, Sara Rognoni, Micaela Baroncini, Pierdomenico PerataUniversity of Modena & Reggio Emilia

The use of plants to remove heavy metals and other pollutants from soils and watersPHYTOREMEDIATION

PHYTOEXTRACTION OF HEAVY METALSThe most common heavy metals are:Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, Zn

Are often very toxic to living organisms over a certain concentration threshold

HYPERACCUMULATOR SPECIESRepresent

Alyssum serpyllifoliumBrassica junceaLiriodendron tulipiferaPteris vittataThlaspi caerulescensHYPERACCUMULATOR SPECIES & PHYTOREMEDIATION PLANTS

Hyperaccumulator species must be hypertolerant to heavy metalsWHICH PLANT SPECIES FOR PHYTOEXTRACTION?

Hyperaccumulator species = low biomass?WHICH PLANT SPECIES FOR PHYTOEXTRACTION?

Can high biomass compensate for lower accumulation?WHICH PLANT SPECIES FOR PHYTOEXTRACTION?

Hemp as a high biomass plant for phytoextraction?WHICH PLANT SPECIES FOR PHYTOEXTRACTION?

Hemp as a high biomass plant for phytoextraction?WHICH PLANT SPECIES FOR PHYTOEXTRACTION?High biomassNot hyperaccumulatorCould be used for phytoremediation if fibers can be commercialized

COPPER SOIL CONTAMINATIONCopper is required for the physiology of the plant

An EXCESS of copper in the soil results in phytotoxic effects

Copper is an essential cofactor for many enzymatic activities in animals too

An EXCESS of copper is excreted by animals (liver, bile)

Genetic diseases result in altered Cu homeostasis (Wilson disease)

Exposure to the metal copper may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease

COPPER SOIL CONTAMINATIONCopper sulfate is used in agricuture, including organic farming

Possible copper build-up in the soil which at high levels can be harmful to earth worm populations. In response to such environmental concerns copper should be phased out of usage as soon as possible

The aim of this work is the localization of Cu in hemp plants grown in a copper-enriched solutionCuSO4

Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectra (X-EDS)CuCu

LEAF EPIDERMISHYSTOLOGICAL LOCALIZATION OF Cu

TRICOMESHYSTOLOGICAL LOCALIZATION OF Cu

CITOLOGICAL LOCALIZATION OF Cu

Hemp grown in hydoponics accumulates cooper in the leaves (tricomes)Copper was not detected in fibersFurther work is needed to evaluate the fibers quality from hemp grown in open field in the presence of copper sulfateCONCLUSIONS