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Abstract
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Heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils is an increasing global concern due to industrialization, mining, and wastewater irrigation . Chromium (Cr), particularly hexavalent Cr(VI), is one of the most toxic heavy metals due to its mobility, persistence, and bioaccumulation . High concentrations of Cr negatively affect seed germination, root and shoot elongation, chlorophyll biosynthesis, photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and ultimately crop yield . Chromium-induced oxidative stress further disrupts plant metabolism by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing lipid peroxidation and cell damage .
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) has gained global attention as a resilient and highly nutritious crop adapted to saline, drought-prone, and marginal soils . Due to its adaptability, quinoa is regarded as a promising candidate for sustainable agriculture and food security under climate change scenarios . Although quinoa is known for its tolerance to abiotic stresses, its response to heavy metals such as chromium is not well understood.
Understanding the physiological responses of quinoa to Cr stress will provide insights into its tolerance mechanisms and help determine whether quinoa can be cultivated in contaminated soils without compromising productivity. Moreover, such knowledge could support the role of quinoa in phytoremediation strategies, offering dual benefits of food security and environmental sustainability
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