Cu accumulation in local pseudo-metallophyte plants from a vineyard soil

Vineyard soils are contaminated with copper (Cu) due to the use of Cu-based fungicides, even in organic viticulture. Phytoremediation can represent an alternative to extract part of Cu from these soils. After a screening of local plants in a vineyard, two plant species with high level of Cu in their aerial parts have been identified. The objective of this proposal is to focus on plants collected on the site to identify the mechanisms involved in Cu accumulation. For that, Cu chemical imaging by micro X-ray fluorescence (µXRF), and Cu speciation by micro X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure spectroscopy (µXANES) will be combined. This information will be essential to determine the strategy developed by the plant to cope with Cu toxicity.