Structural changes in root tips of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in response to olive oil mill wastewater

Abstract

Toxic effects of the wastewater were investigated ultrastructurally in root tips of Triticum aestivum. As a result, wall and nuclear degradations, disruptions in all cytoplasmic membranes, irregular nucleus shapes and cellular organization defects were densely detected. Besides, germination ratio, total protein contents, DNA contents and root-shoot growth were found to be decreased significantly when compared to the control group. Results were compared with those of recent studies regarding excessive Na+, Fe+2, P, polyphenols and acidic pH toxicity. © 2008 Asian Network for Scientific Information.