Cr+6- induced growth, biochemical alterations and Chromium bioaccumulation in Cassia tora (L.) Roxb.

Abstract

The present in vivo pot culture experiments showed hexavalent Chromium (Cr+6) induced growth, physiological and biochemical alterations and Chromium bioaccumulation in 60 days Cassia tora (L.) Roxb. (Coffe Pod) plants. Root and shoot length, fresh and dry matters considerably decreased with increasing concentration of Cr+6. However, in 10 ppm shoot dry weight increased. High dose Cr+6 application showed decreased chlorophyll, protein and catalase activity. The activity of Catalase increased with 10 ppm of Cr+6 supply to the soilwhich declined with 50 ppm of Chromium in leaves. Total sugar, reducing sugar, starch and total carbohydrate contents also decreased with increase Cr+6 concentration. Proline and peroxidase activities increased with increasing concentration of Cr+6. Chromium bioaccumulation was more in roots than leaves and stems. Bio-Concentration Factor (BCF), Total Accumulation Rate (TAR) indicated highest values i.e. 0.051 and 0.070 respectively in 50 ppm whereas Transportation Index (TI) was highest (0.814) in 10 ppm of Cr+6. The results of the present study revealed that the phytoremediation ability of Coffe pod plants growing under wild conditions can be used to combat Cr +6 stress in chromium contaminated areas.