Phytotoxicity of River Chenab sediments: In vitro morphological and biochemical response of Brassica napus L.
Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: River Chenab is one of the major sources of water for irrigation of agriculture fields in Punjab, Pakistan. The present investigation was conducted to appraise the effect of river Chenab sediments on growth; morphological and biochemical prospects of in vitro grown Brassica napus seedling. A total 19 residue samples collected from different sites of River Chenab were evaluated. The sediments extracts, in most of the cases, significantly influenced on final germination, rate of germination and mean period of final germination of B. napus seedlings in comparison with controls. Reduction in root length was observed as compared with shoot length. Decrease in relative dry weight of seedlings ranging from 45% to 64% was also examined. Biochemical analysis revealed that the sediments extracts tend to increase in total protein and total phenolic contents in B. napus plants while variation in MDA and flavonoid contents were observed as compared with control. Increase in chlorophyll a & b and carotenoid contents were also observed in plants germinated in the presence of sediments extracts except sample 4. The enzymes (POD, SOD and protease); responsible to mitigate hazardous effects of sediment contamination; were found elevated in the seedlings. Phytotoxic evaluations of sediments demonstrate that it is consistent and practical tool for assessing quality of sediment. However, increased activities of antioxidants; enzymes and proteins favor the adaptation or tolerance to contamination by the seedlings.
Institution: Quaid-i-Azam University
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,650
OpenAlex ID: W1866875042