【Objective】Through analyzing the bioaccumulation capacity,subcellular distribution and chemical forms of cadmium(Cd)in Aster subulatus Michx.,this study was to provide reference for revealing the Cd tolerance mechanism of A.subulatus Michx.【Method】After cultured for 24 d under the action of Hoagland nutrient solution and gradient Cd concentrations(0,30,60 and 90 mg/L),A.subulatus Michx.were harvested,and its leaf,stem and root were treated by differential centrifugation,chemical reagent extraction,and digested with graphite digester,respectively,then the Cd content in the root,stem and leaf were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy.【Result】The experimental results indicated that the bioaccumulation capacity of Cd in A.subulatus Michx.was root>stem>leaf,and the maximum Cd concentration in the root,stem and leaf of A.subulatus Michx.were 130.74,78.69 and 56.62 mg/kg(fresh matter),respectively.Most of Cd stored in the cell wall and the soluble fractions of the root and leaf of A.subulatus Michx.,with only a smaller portion Cd in organelle fraction.Analysis result of subcellular Cd content showed that 52.27%-58.61%of Cd for root was mainly stored in the soluble fraction,but 42.10%-63.28%of Cd for leaf was mainly stored in the cell wall fraction.The concentration of pectates and protein integrated-Cd was higher in the root and leaf compared to other chemical forms Cd.Pectates and protein integrated-Cd was the main chemical forms Cd in the root and leaf of A.subulatus Michx.,and their percentages were 68.91%-74.80%and 57.38%-83.80%,respectively.Cd treatment could significantly increase the proportion of water-soluble organic acid Cd from 13.64%to 22.72%in root and undissolved phosphate Cd from 10.02%to 32.78%in leaf with increasing Cd concentration in the culture medium.【Conclusion】The root,stem and leaf of A.subulatus Michx.has strong bioaccumulation capacity to Cd,Cd is primarily stored in the soluble fractions of the root and cell wall fractions of the leaf,and less toxic pectates and protein
