Evaluation of phytotoxicity, biochemical profiles, bioaccumulation hazard, and toxicity implications of battery manufacturing industrial discharge using a soilless cultivation system

Abstract

This study has been devoted to the compositional evaluation of battery manufacturing industrial discharge (ID) and comprehensive assessment of: (i) plant vigor, chlorophylls contents, oxidative stress biomarkers; (ii) antioxidant defense system; (iii) non-enzymatic antioxidant responses; (iv) bioaccumulative profiles of toxic pollutants; and (v) in vitro genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of the four weeks ID-irrigated Ipomoea aquatica. Pb was identified as the dominating pollutant (5.35 mg/L) in the ID, with the accumulative profiles ranging from 0.002 to 1.36 mg/kg dry weight, in the descending order of root > shoot > leaf within Ipomoea aquatica. Profound inhibition of roots (26.60%) and shoots growth (20.53%), reduction of chlorophylls contents (39.81%), excessive-generation of superoxide anion (53.33%), hydrogen peroxide (55%), and lipid peroxidation (26.15%) were recorded. Antioxidant enzymes were up-regulated while the ferric reducing antioxidant power and radicals scavenging activities were concurrently enhanced. The in vitro toxicity of ID was verified by the significant dose-dependent increase in the mitochondrial respiratory inhibition associated-cell death and DNA destruction in the HepG2 cell (p < 0.05). These acquired findings have signified the threatening implications of Pb-contaminated ID-assisted irrigation on the sustainability of environmental and public health, and food security management.