Phytotoxicity of zinc, chromium (VI) and cadmium in purging nut  (Jatropha curcas) seedlings grown in hydroponics

Somen Acharya; D K Sharma; H C Joshi

doi:10.56093/ijas.v82i8.23046

Authors

Somen Acharya Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012
D K Sharma Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012
H C Joshi Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v82i8.23046

Keywords:

Heavy metals, Hydroponics, Jatropha curcas, Oxidative stress, Phytotoxicity

Abstract

This study investigated physiological, morphological, biochemical and metal uptake patterns in purging nut (Jatropha curcas L.) seedlings exposed to zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) in a hydroponic system. Uptake of metals in all parts of the seedlings was found to be highest for Zn, followed by Cd and Cr. Catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were increased on exposure to heavy metals, but 5 mM Cd and Cr significantly inhibited SOD activity compared to Zn. This may reflect damage to the plant due to lipid per-oxidation as shown by a decrease in the % membrane stability index at higher metal concentrations. With increase in concentration of all the heavy metals tested, there was a significant decrease in chlorophyll content, however there was a stimulatory effect at low Zn concentrations (up to 0.5 mM). Root length and surface area were both significantly decreased with increasing metal concentration.

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