A comparative study on the in vitro and in vivo toxicity of Gadolinium on Stevia rebaudiana

Abstract

Our research is focused on potential risks associated with plants exposure to Gd and aims at assessing the in vitro vs in vivo toxicity of gadobutrol. In our study, we have assessed effects of Gd on Stevia rebaudiana plants grown in vitro and in soil, by quantifying the plant growth and relevant plant metabolites (steviosides, chlorophylls, carotenoids, ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids). The plants were exposed to gadobutrol in concentrations up to 3 mM. The results showed that root and plant length, also plant biomass had a statistically relevant decrease upon Gd exposure at high concentrations. The effects were much more pronounced for the in vitro grown plantlets.