Phytotoxicity of single and mixed rare earth element (La, Nd and Sm) exposures on Lactuca sativa seed germination and growth

The mode of action, bioaccumulation potential and toxicity of Rare Earth Elements (REE), with several applications in the technology, medical and agricultural fields, are still understudied. The nitrates acute effects on single exposures, binary and ternary mixtures of lanthanum (La), neodymium (Nd) and samarium (Sm) on Lactuca sativa lettuce seed germination and wet biomass in an artificial soil (AS) and an Ultisol were assessed. Germination (EC₅₀), wet biomass (IC₅₀) and germination inhibition (% GI) were evaluated. EC₅₀ values show La was the most toxic in Ultisol, Sm in AS, and Nd appears with intermediate values on both substrates. The IC₅₀, both single and mixed, decreased from 3- to 181-fold with increasing test concentrations in relation to the control in AS, while increases in Ultisol were observed, followed by decreases at higher doses which may be associated with the low-dose stimulation effect (hormesis). Our findings may be used to subsidize REE risk assessment studies and reinforce the hormesis effect to prevent the use of high application of REE fertilizers, avoiding the accumulation of REE in agricultural soils.