Chromium (VI) induced physiological and metabolic responses and metal accumulation in Vigna mungo L cv. BVN-3

Abstract

Present study investigates chromium induced toxicity and metal accumulation in plant black gram (Vigna mungo L.) under different concentrations of Cr (VI) treatment. Phytotoxicity in black gram was assessed by evaluating growth responses, foliar symptoms, biochemical changes enzyme activities and nutrient uptake at different concentration of chromium (VI) viz. 0.0, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.25 mM. Chlorosis followed by necrosis was observed in the leaves with tapered lamina at higher concentration of chromium (0.25 mM) treatment. Similarly, reduction in biomass, decrease in photosynthetic and metabolic activities, imbalances in nutrient uptake were recorded in Cr (IV) treated plants at higher concentration (0.25 mM). Maximum Cr accumulation was recorded in leaves (166.5 μg g-1 dw) followed by root (123.4 μg g-1 dw) and shoot (46.6 μg g-1 dw) after 29 d of treatment at 0.25 mM of Cr(VI). Present study concludes that growing black gram in Cr contaminated soil may lead to poor yield and health hazards.