Environmental Studies of Plants Grown in Soil Polluted with Cobalt and Nickel‐56

Abstract

Pot experiments were conducted to study the effects of different levels of Cobalt (Co), on the growth and on the chemical constituents of peanut plants. Co was added to soil at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400mg Co/kg soil. Dry matter accumulation, chlorophyll content, catalase activity, total proteins and free amino acids content, carbohydrates and sugars and mineral contents were determined in roots, stems and leaves of the plant. Results showed that soil polluted with higher rates of Co depressed plant growth in terms of dry matter production. However, the relatively low levels of Co increased the dry matter accumulation. The results obtained indicated high accumulation of Co in plant, although the level of Co in the soil was added in relatively low concentrations. On the other hand, plant chemical constituents exhibited different responses according to plant organ and Co application rate. In addition, the interaction effect both Co and Ni on the mineral content of peanuts was investigated.