title: Toxic effect of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on germination and seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).
abstract: As a persistent organic pollutant in the environment, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been extensively investigated. It can accumulate in food chains and in the human body. This work investigated the effect of PFOA on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germination and seedling growth by conducting a germination trial and a pot trial. A stimulatory effect of PFOA on seedling growth and root length of wheat was found at <0.2 mg kg(-1), while >800 mg kg(-1) PFOA inhibited germination rate, index, and root and shoot growth. In the pot trial, PFOA concentration in root was double that in the shoot. Soil and plant analyzer development (SPAD) and plant height of wheat seedling were inhibited by adding 200 mg kg(-1) PFOA. Proline content and POD activity in wheat seedlings increased as PFOA increased, while CAT activity decreased. Using logarithmic equations, proline content was selected as the most sensitive index by concentration for 50% of maximal effect (EC50). Hence, the tolerance of wheat seedlings to PFOA levels could be evaluated on the basis of the physiological index.
authors.affiliation: College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
authors.forename: Lina
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.affiliation: College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
authors.forename: Mengjie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Xia
authors.affiliation: College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China. Electronic address: maohui@nwsuaf.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mao
mesh_terms: D002210:Caprylates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D018525:Germination / Q000187:drug effects*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D036226:Seedlings / Q000187:drug effects*; D014908:Triticum / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development
chemical_list: D002210:Caprylates; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D005466:Fluorocarbons; C023036:perfluorooctanoic acid
keywords: EC(50); Germination; Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA); Seedling growth; Triticum aestivum L.