Ability of Sesuvium portulacastrum to Accumulate Sodium and Potassium from Saline Media

Mokded Rabhi, Majed Alharbi, Ahmad Alzoheiry and Abdulaziz Alharbi

Background and Objective: The shoot succulent halophyte Sesuvium portulacastrum was previously shown to take up sodium (Na⁺) from the soil and accumulate it within its shoot tissues and was therefore chosen as a good plant for the phytodesalination of saline-sodic soils. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the ability of this halophyte to take up sodium and potassium (K⁺) from a saline medium and to check therefore its possible use in the phytodesalination of saline waters such as reject brines. Materials and Methods: Plants were hydroponically grown for one month in the presence of 200 mM NaCl, KCl or Na₂SO₄. At the harvest, leaves, stems and roots were weighed fresh and oven-dried then analyzed for K⁺ and Na⁺ contents. A One-Way-ANOVA test was used for data analysis. Results: Sesuvium portulacastrum showed a high tolerance to the three salts in terms of biomass production and water content. Plants accumulated high Na⁺ and K⁺ quantities, Na⁺ being more accumulated. Conclusion: The accumulated K⁺ quantities allow this halophyte to be used in the phytodesalination of saline waters such as reject brines.

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