Heavy metals alter photosynthetic pigment profiles as well as activities of chlorophyllase and 5-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) in Amaranthus lividus seedlings

Varied concentrations of PbCl2 and CdCl2 in the germinating media reduced the total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in primary leaves of Amaranthus lividus seedlings (168 h old). When chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b contents were measured separately, greater loss of chl b than chl a under the identical conditions of heavy metal treatment was observed In addition, the loss of total chlorophyll was more than carotenoids under the same magnitude of heavy metal treatment. The effect of heavy metal treatment at germination stage was further studied on chlorophyll accumulation in primary leaves in relation to the activities of 5-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) and chlorophyllase. The activities of ALAD gradually diminished in response to both the heavy metals in a concentration-guided manner, while the activities of chlorophyllase did not exhibit any significant change.     

Effect of cadmium on germination, coleoptile and root growth of barley seeds in the presence of gibberellic acid and kinetin

Effect of cadmium on barley seeds treated with kinetin and gibberellic acid was investigated. As usual, cadmium has inhibited seed germination, and showed important inhibitory effects on roots and coleoptile growth after germination. In general, increase in cadmium concentration caused a greater inhibition of germination, root and coleoptile growth. The adverse effect of cadmium on root and coleoptile growth was more pronounced than that on germination. While testa was pierced by radicle (an indication of germination), no root or coleoptile development was observed above at concentration of 3-9.5 mM CdCl2xH2O. Low concentrations of cadmium have inhibited the root growth more than it did on coleoptile growth. Treatment of seeds with gibberellic acid and kinetin did not show any significant difference on the effect of cadmium in germination. However, inhibition of coleoptile elongation by cadmium has decreased a very much after kinetin application. The same result, although with lower rates when compared to kinetin, has been obtained for GA3 as well. In addition, the inhibitory effect of cadmium on root growth increased even more after kinetin application. The results have been found statistically significant through the least significant different (LSD) test at levels ofp < 0.05 and p < 0.01.     

Distribution of organo-chlorine pesticides (DDT and HCH) between plant and soil system

This paper reports a study of the distribution of organo-chlorine pesticides (DDT and HCH) between rice plants and the soil system by spraying before the heading stage at four different dosage levels--control, normal dosage (15 kg ha(-1) of 6% HCH and 7.5 kg ha(-1) of 25% DDT), double dosage and four times dosage. Soil and plant samples were taken respectively at the 1st h, 3rd, 10th, 20th, and 40th day after spraying and at the harvest time. The results indicate that less than 5% of HCH and 15% of DDT were absorbed by the surface of rice leaves for normal dosage. Most of both pesticides moved into the soil in solution after spraying. Compared with DDT, HCH was degraded and run off more easily. HCH residues in the surface soil layer (1-3 cm) were already below 6.4 microg kg(-1) at the mature stage, lower than Chinese Environmental Quality Standard for Agricultural Soils: HCH < 0.05 mg kg(-1). However DDT residues in the surface soil layer remained 172 microg kg(-1), higher than the national standard: DDT < 0.05 mg kg(-1). According to the test f OCP residues in rice seeds, it can be concluded that the OCP sprayed onto the surface of rice leaves can move into rice plants and accumulate in the seeds at the mature stage. HCH residues in rice seeds of the double and four times dosage treatments, and DDT residues in all treatments, exceeded the Chinese National Food Standard (HCH < 0.10 mg kg(-1), DDT < 0.20 mg kg(-1)).     

镉对大豆苗期素质的影响与镧的防护作用

以盆栽实验研究了镉对大豆苗期素质的影响及镧的防护作用。实验结果表明，每钵根施１００ｍｇ氯化镉会严重抑制大豆幼苗生长；而先期一次性叶片喷布３０ｍｇ／ＬＬａＣｌ３能明显减轻镉造成的伤害。     

长穗颈(eui)水稻上部节间伸长与植物激素的关系

选取含有诱变的长穗颈基因eui1、eui2和野生型基因Eui的水稻(OryzasativaL.)协青早保持系3个等基因系,通过供试植株在不同生育期的GA1和ABA含量测定及喷施GA合成抑制剂,并辅之器官删除试验等方法,探索长穗颈水稻上部节间伸长的生理机制.结果表明,在抽穗期,含eui1的协青早保持系XeB1幼穗和剑叶里的GA1含量显著增加,分别约为对照协青早B的16倍和3.4倍,其GA1/ABA比值也明显增加;含eui2的XeB2幼穗和剑叶里的GA1含量显著提高,但仅在剑叶里GA1/ABA比值明显增加,其幼穗内的GA1水平显著低于XeB1.GA合成抑制剂S3307处理使XeB1和XeB2的株高生长均受到严重抑制.删除幼穗使XeB1最上节间伸长的受抑程度远大于XeB2和XB.由此推测,在抽穗期,eui1能使水稻自身产生GA1,高含量的GA1诱导了长穗颈水稻最上节间的剧烈伸长;在促进最上节间的伸长方面eui1强于eui2.图5表1参12     

铅迫胁下黄瓜幼苗期叶片内源激素的变化

土壤中的重金属污染会对植物造成伤害,在细胞内重金属离子会通过不同途径干扰和破坏细胞的正常代谢。植物激素能调节和控制植物的生长和发育。以黄瓜(Cucumis sativus L.)为材料,通过人工模拟重金属污染环境,对不同质量浓度铅胁迫下黄瓜幼苗的叶片,采用高效液相色谱法进行生长素(IAA)、细胞分裂素(Z)、赤霉素(GA3)、脱落酸(ABA)的分离、纯化和测定。探讨重金属污染对植物内源激素水平方面的变化的影响,进一步了解重金属污染对植物产生伤害的机制及抵御胁迫所发生的变化,从而采取有效措施解决重金属污染的问题。结果发现:所测的几种激素均表现出明显的变化规律:GA3、ABA升高,IAA、Z含量先上升后下降;同时经比较分析得出,随着铅质量浓度的增大,IAA/ABA、Z/ABA及GA3/ABA之比下降,Z/IAA升高。结果表明黄瓜幼苗期抵抗重金属污染的能力与内源激素水平及内源激素平衡有关。     

Amelioration of arsenic toxicity by phosphate salts in mungbean seedlings

Sodium arsenate (Na2HAsO4.7H2O) is a potent inhibitor of mungbean seed germination and seedling growth. Germination is totally stopped at or above 50 microM Na2HAsO4.7H2O. Inhibition of seedling elongation started at a lower concentration of 5 microM As(V) and was drastically reduced at 20 microM As(V). Nutrients like salts of macroelements viz., NaH2PO4.2H2O, KH2PO4, K2SO4, MgSO4.7H2O, CaCl2.2H2O, (NH4)2SO4 NH4NO3 solutions at a concentration of 10mM and microelements viz., ZnSO4, CuSO4.5H2O, Na2MoO4.2H2O, MnCl2.4H2O, CoCl2.6H2O, FeSO4.7H2O solutions at a concentration of 1mM could help to ameliorate the toxic effects of As(V) to different degrees. Amelioration of As(V) toxicity was possible only when the mungbean seeds were pretreated with the above mentioned nutrients for 24 hr and then transferred to sodium arsenate. Simultaneous treatment of nutrients with As(V) or using nutrient solutions following As(V) treatment were of no help to reverse the toxic effects of sodium arsenate.     

Effects of industrial waste water on heavy metal accumulation, growth and biochemical responses of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

The waste water showed high values of total solid (TS), hardness and chloride with slightly alkaline pH along with high concentrations of Cr (2.03 mg l(-1)), Ni (1.59 mg l(-1)) and Zn (0.46 mg l(-1)). The concentration of Cu (0.21 mg l(-1)) and Zn in industrial waste water was low than Ni and Cr. The diluted (25 and 50%), undiluted (100%) waste water was used to irrigate the lettuce plants grown in alluvial soils. Plants accumulated heavy metals in their shoot (Ni, 13.65; Cr, 19.73; Zn, 21.6 and Cu 14.76 microg g(-1) dry weight) and root (Ni, 41.4; Cr, 31.6; Zn, 30.2 and Cu 15.85 microg g(-1) dry weight) in high concentrations after irrigation with undiluted industrial waste water. Maximum accumulation of heavy metals was found in the root than the shoot (13.65-21.60 microg g(-1) dry weight). Dry matter yield and biomolecules (Chlorophyll a, b and sugar contents) was found to increase with increase in concentration of waste water up to 50%, which declined at the exposure of undiluted waste water. Catalase activity was found to increase with increase in waste water concentrations up to 100%, while carotenoids content increased in plants only up to the 50% waste water irrigation. Use of industrial waste water in such form, on agricultural lands is not found suitable without proper treatment. It could be injurious to plants growth and may be a potential threat to food web.     

Effect of nickel-stresses on uptake, pigments and antioxidative responses of water lettuce, Pistia stratiotes L

Water lettuce plants were exposed to various concentrations (0, 0.01,0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 ppm) of nickel as nickel sulphate in nutrient medium. The effect of graded nickel (Ni +2) concentrations on visible symptoms of toxicity, pigments (chlorophyll a, b and total) and antioxidative attributes were evaluated. Plants exposed to high nickel (1.0 and 10.0 ppm) showed visible toxicity symptoms, such as wilting, chlorosis in young leaves, browning of root tips and broken off roots, observed at 6 days after treatment. Nickel was accumulated more in root (863.3 microg g-1 dry weight) than leaves (116.2 microg g-1 dry weight) at 6 days of treatment. Nickel exposure decreased chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll contents. Relative water content decreased at high nickel (1.0 and 10.0 ppm).Antioxidants, such as proline content and peroxidase activity increased with increase in nickel concentrations, whereas, other carotenoids and protein contents at 1.0 ppm and activity of catalase at 10 ppm of nickel were decreased. The low level of nickel stimulates photosynthetic pigments and antioxidative attributes. The study may be helpful in phytoremedial strategies and biological indication of nickel toxicity in aquatic plants.     

Variation in trace element mobility and nitrogen metabolism of Verbascum olympicum Boiss. under copper stress

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of copper (Cu) stress on accumulation and transport of trace elements, nitrogen assimilation, and growth parameters of Verbascum olympicum. Eight-week-old seedlings were grown in Hoagland's solution and exposed to 0, 50, 250, or 500?µM CuSO₄ for seven days in laboratory conditions. Bioaccumulation of trace elements (boron, bismuth, cobalt, Cu, iron, lithium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, lead, zinc) in the roots and leaves was determined by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry after one, three, and seven days. Chlorophyll content, nitrate reductase, and glutamine synthetase activities, soluble protein content, and biomass were determined. Copper accumulated in the roots and leaves (up to 19609.8 and 256.2?mg?kg^?1 dry weight, respectively). Other trace elements accumulated to higher levels in the roots of Cu-treated plants compared with those of control plants. High Cu concentrations decreased nitrogen-assimilatory enzyme activities. Compared with control plants, those treated with high Cu concentrations showed lower chlorophyll contents, total protein contents, and biomass. Nitrogen assimilation and growth parameters of V. olympicum were negatively affected by Cu treatment but mineral nutrition was not severely disrupted. The results support the suitability of V. olympicum as a candidate for phytoremediation of Cu-contaminated soils.     

Effects of different concentrations of tetracycline and oxytetracycline on the growth and ecotoxicity in lettuce北大核心CSCD

四环素类抗生素(TCs)是目前我国应用广泛、用量最大的一类抗生素,畜禽粪便和土壤中存在TCs残留,影响蔬菜作物的生长发育. TCs因水溶性较高更容易被植物转运和积累,植物对TCs耐受性机理研究仍不足.为更全面探究土壤TCs对蔬菜的毒性作用,研究不同浓度四环素(TC)和土霉素(OTC)分别对生菜的抗生素残留、生长特征及抗氧化酶系统的影响.结果显示,在0(对照)、2、10、50、250 mg/kg 5个施用水平下,生菜叶片抗生素含量逐渐增加,且土霉素含量始终大于四环素含量.与对照相比,抗生素浓度在50 mg/kg以上时对生菜生长具有显著抑制作用,其中,株高、根长、地上部和地下部鲜重与叶片TC残留量具显著负相关.生菜叶片的脯氨酸含量随浓度增加呈先增加后降低的趋势,在10 mg/kg时达到最大.并且低浓度(2 mg/kg)促进抗氧化酶基因SOD、POD21和CAT的表达,高浓度抗生素(50、250 mg/kg)对其产生抑制作用,10 mg/kg的抗生素处理对SOD、POD21和CAT基因表达的影响在抗生素种类上存在差异.本研究表明抗生素浓度超过50 mg/kg对生菜生长产生抑制作用,脯氨酸和抗氧化酶SOD、POD、CAT的转录水平及其酶活性能快速响应抗生素胁迫,可作为生菜对抗生素抗性的辅助评价指标.(图8表3参19)     

鞭式节丛孢(Arthrobotrys flagrans CBS583.91)对氯化钠和氯化镉的耐受性

首次报道了鞭式节丛孢的氯化钠和氯化镉耐受性,在查氏平板上培养39d，鞭式节丛孢对氯化钠的最高耐受浓度为0．6mol L^-1，对氯化镉的最高耐受浓度为3．0mmol L^-1；在LCMA平板上，0．18mol L^-1氯化钠抑制三维菌网的形成，0．30mol L^-1氯化钠抑制厚垣孢子的萌发，0．05mmol L^-1氯化镉抑制三维菌网形成，0．07mmol L^-1氯化镉抑制厚垣孢子萌发．图1表3参8     

White locoweed toxicity is facilitated by a fungal endophyte and nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Mutualistic interactions with fungal endophytes and dinitrogen-fixing bacteria are known to exert key biological influences on the host plant. The influence of a fungal endophyte alkaloid on the toxicity of a plant has been documented in Oxytropis sericea. Oxytropis sericea is a perennial legume responsible for livestock poisoning in western North America. Livestock poisoning is attributed to the alkaloid swainsonine, which is synthesized inside the plant by the fungal endophyte Embellisia sp. In this study, the ability of Oxytropis sericea to form a dinitrogen-fixing symbiosis with Rhizobium and the effects of this symbiosis on the production of swainsonine by Embellisia sp. were evaluated in a greenhouse environment. Seeds of O. sericea were grown in plastic containers. Twenty-week-old O. sericea seedlings were inoculated with four strains of Rhizobium. Twenty weeks after inoculation, plant growth and root nodulation by Rhizobium were measured. Dinitrogen fixation was confirmed using an acetylene reduction assay (ARA) on excised root nodules. Dry leaves were analyzed for swainsonine content. A second set of plants was treated with fungicide to evaluate the effect of reduced fungal endophyte infection on plant growth and swainsonine production. All inoculated plants produced indeterminate nodules. The ARA indicated that 98% of the excised nodules were fixing dinitrogen. Rhizobium-treated plants had greater swainsonine concentrations than the non-inoculated controls. Plants that established from seeds treated with fungicide had lower biomass than non-fungicide-treated controls and plants treated with foliar fungicide. Plants treated with foliar fungicide and the controls had greater swainsonine concentrations than the plants that received seed fungicide. This greenhouse study is the first report of nodulation and dinitrogen fixation in O. sericea. It also demonstrates that dinitrogen fixation increases the production of swainsonine in O. sericea plants infected with Embellisia sp. Results from this study suggest that dinitrogen fixation affects swainsonine production and has the potential to support the symbiosis between Embellisia sp. and O. sericea when soil nitrogen is limited. Oxytropis sericea competitiveness appears to be facilitated by an ability to simultaneously associate with Rhizobium and a fungal symbiont.     

Impacts of crude oil on the germination and growth of cress seeds (Lepidium sp.) after bioremediation of agricultural soil polluted with crude petroleum using "adapted" Pseudomonas putida

The impacts of crude oil on the germination, growth and morphology of cress seeds (Lepidium sp.) after bioremediation of agricultural soil polluted with crude petroleum using "adapted" Pseudomonas putida (PP) were examined for 15 days. At day 15 there was 100% germination in the untreated control samples, the mean height of the seedlings was 75.8 +/- 2.6 mm and all appeared to have grown morphologically normal. In the experimental samples treated with oil and PP inoculation, there was 98% germination and the seedlings reached a height of 63.8 +/- 6.9 mm; again, morphologically the seedlings appeared normal. However, in the control samples treated with oil but without PP inoculation, there was 31-38% germination and seedling heights of 34.2 +/- 11.4-42.3 +/- 8.5 mm with abnormal morphology. Treatment of oil-impacted agricultural soil with PP as a bioremediation agent does produce soil which is capable of growing larger and healthier plants than where bioremediation has not taken place.     

Impact of rhizobacteria on growth and chromium accumulation in Scirpus lacustris L. grown under chromium supplementation

Four chromate tolerant rhizobacterial strains viz., RZB-01, RZB-02, RZB-03 and RZB-04 were isolated from rhizosphere of Scirpus lacustris collected from Cr-contaminated area. These strains characterized at morphological and biochemical levels. The most efficient chromate tolerant strain RZB-03 was inoculated to fresh plant of S. lacustris and grown in 2 microg ml(-1) and 5 microg ml(-1) of Cr+6 supplemented nutrient solution under controlled laboratory condition. The effects of rhizobacterial inoculation on growth and chromium accumulation in S. lacustris were evaluated. The inoculation of rhizobacteria increased biomass by 59 and 104%, while total chlorophyll content by 1.76 and 15.3% and protein content increased by 23 and 138% under 2 microg ml(-1) and 5 microg ml(-1) concentrations of Cr+6, respectively after 14 d as compared to non-inoculated plant. Similarly, the Cr accumulation also increased by 97 and 75% in shoot and 114 and 68% in root of inoculated plants as compared to non inoculated plants at 2 microg ml(-1) and 5 microg ml(-1) Cr+6 concentrations, respectively after 14 d. The chromate tolerant rhizobacteria which play an important role in chromium uptake and growth promotion in plant may be useful in development of microbes assisted phytoremediation system for decontamination of chromium polluted sites.     

Comparative growth response of two varieties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vigna radiata</Emphasis> L. (var. PDM 54 and var. NM 1) grown on different tannery sludge applications: effects of treated wastewater and ground water used for irrigation

This study evaluates the possibility of using contaminated soil by treated tannery wastewater and the use of tannery sludge in agriculture. The plants of Vigna radiata var. PDM 54 grown on contaminated soil and irrigated with ground water have not shown the translocation of toxic metal (Cr) in the upper part. The biomass of the plant increased when irrigated with treated tannery wastewater compared to ground water, whereas no significant change was observed in chlorophyll and protein contents. In both the varieties (var. PDM 54 and var. NM 1) of V. radiata grown on tannery sludge amendments, the growth parameters exhibited a pronounced positive growth response up to 35% tannery sludge amendments compared with the plants grown on garden soil. Despite the Cr accumulation at lower amendments, no toxicity symptoms were observed in both the varieties of the plants. Higher amendments affected various growth parameters, NR activity, and carbohydrate content of the plants. The results suggest that the plants of V. radiata (var. PDM 54) may be grown on contaminated soil or lower sludge amendments and irrigated with ground water. No translocation of toxic metal Cr was found in the seeds of the plants grown in up to 25% tannery sludge. However, periodical monitoring is required before the consumption of seeds. Overall, the results showed that plant growth patterns were influenced to some extent by the level of soil contamination and the water used for irrigation.     

Detection of lipid peroxidation and cytotoxicity induced by aluminium (Al) and cobalt (Co) ions in barbunia root tip cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effects of different concentrations of Aluminium (Al) and Cobalt (Co) heavy metal ions on Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv Barbunia (Fabaceae) root tips. We used the germination percentage (GP), root length (RL), weight gain (WG) and micronucleus (MN) frequency as indicators of cytotoxicity and correlated these data with statistical parameters. Additionally to the cytogenetic analysis, lipid peroxidation and DNA analyses were performed in root tips of barbunia seeds treated with Al and Co metals. The seeds were divided into five groups as control, Al and Co treatment groups. They were treated with 25 and 50 ppm doses of Al and Co during 7 days. The results indicated that there was an alteration in the GP, RL, WG and MN frequency depending on the treatment dose in the seeds exposed to Al and Co metal ions when compared with the controls. Al and Co metal ions at both the doses significantly reduced the GP, RL and WG in seeds of all the treatment groups. The highest GP was observed in seeds of the control group (in proportion as 96%). 25 and 50 ppm doses of Co and Al caused 30, 50 and 42, 64% decrease of seed germination, respectively. In the control group, the final weights of all the seeds increased about 1.31 g when compared to initial weight. The mean RL of control seeds were measured as 3.71 cm at the end of experimental period. In Co andAl groups, the final weights of seeds increased about 0.34 g and 0.19 g according to initial weight at 50 ppm dose, respectively But, Al and Co ions caused a dose-dependent increase in the frequency of MN. The highest frequency of MN was observed at 50 ppm dose of Al and least frequency of MN was observed at 25 ppm dose of Co. Besides, 25 and 50 ppm concentrations of Al and Co significantly enhanced the lipid peroxidation and caused an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels at both the doses. In roots treated with 25 and 50 ppm doses of Al, the increase of MDA was about 62 and 136% according to control, respectively In Co-treated roots, the increase of MDA was about 31 and 91% according to the control at 25 and 50 ppm doses, respectively The investigated parameters (except MN and MDA) were higher in the seeds exposed to Co than the seeds treated with Al. Moreover, it was observed that the yields of DNA in the seeds treated with Al andCo metals were lower than recorded in the controls. Hence, DNA yields exposed to Al and Co were run ahead on agarose gel according to the control group. The results of the present study indicate that Al and Co metal ions have toxic effects on barbunia root tip cells, and the selected parameters such as the GP, RL, WG, MN and MDA are very sensitive and useful biomarkers for biomonitoring these effects.     

黄河源区退化高寒草地土壤种子库:种子萌发的数量和动态

对青藏高原黄河源区不同退化程度高寒草地的土壤种子库土样用土壤分析筛进行浓缩,并以萌发法分析土壤种子库萌发种子数量和动态.结果表明,孔径0.25~2 mm的土壤分析筛分离土样中萌发种子可达萌发种子总量的85%~97%,而小于0.25 mm的土样中未发现种子.因此,用0.25 mm孔径大小的土壤筛对高寒草地土壤种子库土样进行大规模浓缩是一种方便、可靠的方法.4种不同退化程度高寒草地(A:未退化草甸;B:轻度退化草甸;C:中度退化草甸;D:重度退化草甸)的土壤种子库在实验室条件下萌发的种子数量分别为:A 1 194~3 744粒/m2,平均2 421.3粒/m2;B 5 376~1 0912粒/m2,平均7 786.7粒/m2;C 2 304~1 3216粒/m2,平均8 695.5粒/m2;D 4 768~12 352粒/m2,平均8 125.9粒/m2.除样地A外,其它3个样地的可萌发种子数量差异不大.单子叶植物种子在培养到d 10左右开始萌发,双子叶植物在5~7 d内开始萌发,前者3 wk后基本不再萌发,后者5 wk左右停止萌发.4个样地土壤种子库种子萌发主要集中在第2~3周,并表现出近似单峰型格局.图1表3参39     

Protective role of Ginkgo biloba on petroleum wastewater-induced toxicity in Vicia faba L. (Fabaceae) root tip cells

The Melet is one of Turkey's economically important rivers. Most of the petroleum plants are located at fairly nearby of the river This situation is considered as main source of heavy metal pollution in the river. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective role of Ginkgo biloba (GB) on cytotoxicity induced by petroleum wastewater in Vicia faba root tip cells. For this aim, we used the germination percentage, root length, weight gain and micronucleus (MN) frequency as indicators of cytotoxicity. Additionally to the cytological analysis, lipid peroxidation analyses were also performed in V. faba roots. Heavy metal concentrations in wastewater were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The V. faba seeds were divided into six groups. They were treated with petroleum wastewater and 10, 20 and 30 microM doses of GB. As a result, the mean concentrations of heavy metals in wastewater were observed in the order: Pb > A > Ni > Cr > Fe > Cu > Zn > Cd. The highest germination percentage was observed in the seeds of the control and positive control groups (in proportion as 98 and 96%, respectively). Wastewater treatment caused a significant decrease in the germination percentage of Group III (in proportion as 44%). The highest root length and weight gain were observed in the seeds of the control and positive control groups at the end of the experimental period. The least root length and weight gain were observed in the seeds of Group III treated with wastewater alone. In the control group, the final weights of all the seeds increased about 4.08 g according to initial weight. The root lengths of the control seeds were measured as 6.80 cm at the end of the experimental period. The final weights of the seeds exposed to wastewater alone increased about 0.90 g according to initial weight. Besides, there was a significantly increase in the MDA levels of the roots exposed to wastewater. Heavy metals in wastewater significantly affected the MDA production indicating lipid peroxidation. But, GB-treatment caused amelioration in indices of the germination percentage, root length, weight gain, MN frequency and lipid peroxidation when compared with group III. Each dose of GB provided protection against wastewater toxicity and its strongest protective effect observed at dose of 30 microM. In vivo results showed that GB is a potential protector against toxicity induced by petroleum wastewater and its protective role is dose-dependent.     

Assessment of deposition of MEMC (seed dressing fungicide) in exposed rice grain through study of seedling growth parameters

Rice seed grains exposed to 240 ppm of seed dressing fungicide, MEMC showed increase in deposition of mercury with increase in period of observation (0h to 48h) in 765+/-5 mg of intact endosperm. The gradual increase in mercury deposition in intact endosperm caused simultaneous decrease in mercury content of the seed coat. Exposure periods of 5 to 20 min with 240 ppm of MEMC showed 5.5 to 8.72 microg of mercury deposition in 765+/-5 mg of intact endosperm. Increase in period of exposure (3 to 20 min) to 240 ppm of MEMC and also increase in chronic treatment to lower concentrations (1.5 ppm to 24 ppm) to seed grains have shown similar results in seedling growth parameters. Lower period of exposure or exposure to lower concentrations, both showed a significant inhibition of root growth, however the shoot growth showed stimulation. But higher exposure period or exposure to higher concentrations brought inhibition of both root and shoot growth. The exposure period showing 50% of root growth inhibition of 72h old seedling was calculated to be 10 min So also the chronic treatment showing the 50% of root growth inhibition was calculated to be 9 ppm. Ten min exposure of rice grain to 240 ppm of MEMC showed deposition of 7.11 microg of mercury in 765+/-5 mg of intact endosperm at 48h of observation (optimal phase of germinating process). Regression analysis indicated that by the time of 72h the intact endosperm and developing seedling might have acquired with a minimum amount of 10.23 microg of mercury from the seed coat. Finally it can be said that 10.23 microg of MEMC might be bringing 50% root growth inhibition in 72h old seedlings and 16.71 microg of mercury causing 50% inhibition of both root and shoot growth of 120h old seedlings.