Ni accumulation and its effects on physiological and biochemical parameters of Eichhornia crassipes

Abstract

Ni accumulation and concomitant physiological and biochemical responses were studied in Eichhornia crassipes11Capsule: E. crassipes has the ability to adjust their physiology and biochemical responses under Ni stress. exposed to different concentrations (1, 2, 3 and 4mgl−1 Ni) for 72h. E. crassipes1 rapidly sorbed Ni during the first 24h. Ni concentration in roots was significantly higher than in aerial parts. Continuity of the photosynthetic activity was observed by a significant increase of pigment concentrations during the first 48h, followed by a decrease at 72h. In aerial parts, MDA concentration increased significantly during first 48h at the highest Ni concentration exposure. However, was evidently counteracted by the compensatory protective mechanism of increased antioxidant enzyme activities. In roots, a significant increase in enzyme activities of antioxidant system did not prevent lipid peroxidation observed by an increase in MDA concentration at 72h of exposure. Our results suggest that E. crassipes1 was able to tolerate Ni stress increasing the activity of its antioxidant system at short exposure times and low Ni concentrations studied.