The Effects of Cadmium Toxicity on Poplar

Plants need certain nutrients to complete the development process and obtain these nutrients from the soil, which is the plant's food source, through the roots. For this reason, the heavy metals found in the soil cause many disadvantages to plants during this process, from their development to their ability to maintain their vitality. Cadmium (Cd), one of the most common heavy metals found in soil, is one of the most damaging elements to plants. It affects key enzymes in the cadmium transport process, which often impairs the plant's water uptake. Studies also show that Cd causes molecular reactions in plant cells, both at the genomic and proteomic level, and induces defense mechanisms. Although there are various methods to minimize these drawbacks, one of the most effective is phytoremediation using poplar trees.