Evaluation of the Potential of Six Woody Lianas for Remediation of Cd-Contaminated Soil

In this study, six woody lianas, including Wisteria sinen3.8. structural equation modeling revealed that W. sinensis exhibited the strongest resistance to high cadmium concentrations. Most of Cd2+ absorbed by W. sinensis was accumulated in the cell wall to reduce toxicity. Concurrently, W. sinensis activates its antioxidant defense system, enhances antioxidant enzyme activity, effectively scavenges ROS, and mitigates membrane damage. Furthermore, W. sinensis maintains a certain level of photosynthesis and increased nitrogen uptake to improve its adaptation to cadmium stress. In contrast, L. japonica demonstrates greater resistance at low cadmium concentrations, exhibiting the highest stem transport coefficient. Although increased cadmium concentrations intensify lipid peroxidation in L. japonica’s cell membranes, leading to elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, it still responds to oxidative damage by activating its antioxidant defense, increasing antioxidant enzyme activity, scavenging ROS, and alleviating cadmium toxicity. When L. japonica fully absorbs nutrients, its soluble sugar content increases, further enhancing its adaptation to cadmium stress. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for selecting plant species for the bioremediation of cadmium-contaminated soils in vertical greening applications.