Molecular distribution and toxicity assessment of praseodymium by Spirodela polyrrhiza

Highlights: • Pr was mainly bound to cellulose and pectin in Spirodela polyrrhiza. • Pr induced the change in C−O, C−H, and O−H stretching vibration by FTIR. • Pr induced per oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in membrane lipids. • Pr could target the reaction center proteins D1 and D2. • The reduction in photo system II activity was detected under Pr exposure. - Abstract: Aquatic macrophytes are known to accumulate and bioconcentrate metals. In this study, the physiological, biochemical, and ultrastructural responses of Spirodela polyrrhiza to elevated concentrations of praseodymium (Pr), ranging from 0 to 60 μM, were investigated over 20 d exposure. The results showed that the accumulation of Pr in S. polyrrhiza occurred in a concentration-dependent manner. The accumulation of Pr in biomacromolecules decreased in the order of cellulose and pectin (65–69%), crude proteins (18–25%), crude polysaccharides (6–10%), crude lipids (3%–4%). Significant increases in malondialdehyde (MDA), and decreases in photosynthetic pigment, soluble protein, and unsaturated fatty acids showed that Pr induced oxidative stress. Inhibitory effects on photosystem II and the degradation of the reaction center proteins D1 and D2 were revealed by chlorophyll a fluorescence transients, immunoblotting, and damage to chloroplast ultrastructure. Significant increases in cell death were observed in Pr-treated plants. However, S. polyrrhiza can combat Pr induced oxidative injury by activating various enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. These results will improve understanding of the biological consequences of rare earth elements (REEs) contamination, particularly in aquatic bodies.