Abstract
Laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the effects of highly toxic and dangerous metals (Pb, Cd, Hg) and essential microelements (Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn) on the seed germination process in vetch and eight plant species of major importance to human consumption. The degree of metal toxicity was determined on the basis of acute LC50 values calculated by means of two different methods. All the metals were found to inhibit the germination process, but in a varying, species-dependent degree. Of all the plant seeds under study, the most sensitive to the presence of the examined metals during germination were the seeds of cress (Cu, Pb, Hg), rye (Ni, Zn, Cd) and barley (Cr), while vetch (Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd, Pb, Hg), rape (Cr, Cu) and pea (Ni, Cd) were found to be least affected.
Highlights
Due to progressive urbanization and modern agricultural practices, environmental pollution with heavy metals is on the increase
Heavy metals and other elements are absorbed by plants in ionic form
There has been a significant increase in the study of the effects of soil pollution on plants, including observation of seed germination and initial stages of development (Smreczak and Maliszewska-Kordybach 2003; Li et al 2005)
Summary
Due to progressive urbanization and modern agricultural practices, environmental pollution with heavy metals is on the increase. Heavy metals and other elements are absorbed by plants in ionic form They are toxic to the life processes of plants, mainly through their interaction with the functional groups of molecules in the cell, especially proteins and polynucleotides. Sensitive species, including indicator species like barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) used in biotests for high concentrations of elements, are prone to structural damage and disturbances in biochemical and physiological processes, leading to growth retardation and even cell death. These biotests have many advantages: they are cheap and easy to use, do not require expensive laboratory equipment, are easy to observe, and produce repeatable results (Smreczak and MaliszewskaKordybach 2003). This study was carried out to select the most suitable plant species which could probably germinate efficiently in heavily contaminated areas
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