Runglawan Sudmoon1, Arunrat Chaveerach2, Unchaleeporn Ameamsri2, Penkhae Thamsenanupap3,4, Natapol Pumipuntu4,5, Shiou Yih Lee6, Ong Ghim Hock6, Tawatchai Tanee3,4*
1Faculty of Law, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
2Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
3Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand
4One Health Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand
5Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand
6Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Abstract
Heavy metal contamination, notably lead (Pb), poses a threat to plants and, consequently, human health through the food chain. This study investigates Pb accumulation in rice and how it affects the rice DNA. The rice (Oryza sativa) samples were cultivated in the soil supplemented with Pb at concentrations of 0, 15, 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg. Then the samples were harvested and analyzed for Pb accumulation and DNA alterations using the PCR amplification profiles measured through genomic template stability (GTS). The results demonstrate a Pb concentration hierarchy (root > stem > leaves), with Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) and Translocation Factor (TF) rising when soil Pb contents are supplemented. For DNA alterations, observed GTS values ranged from 23.3 to 76.67%, revealed a general decline with increasing Pb. This correlation assured the influence of Pb on rice DNA stability. Our findings suggest that heavy metal concentration, particularly Pb, has a direct influence on the integrity of rice DNA. Understanding these dynamics is vital for unraveling the complexities of heavy metal-induced genetic changes in plants and their potential implications for food safety and environmental health.
Keywords: Bioconcentration Factor, DNA changes, Genomic template stability, Lead accumulation, Translocation Factor