Nature Environment and Pollution Technology

P. Umadevi ¹, N. Kannikaparameswari ², S. Selvi ², S. Murugan ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, Karunya University, Karunya Nagar, Coimbatore-641 114, T.N., IN
2 Department of Biochemistry, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-641 035, T.N., IN

Abstract

Vigna unguiculata (Cowpea) seeds were grown under controlled environment in solution of mercury at different concentrations. The eco-toxicity of mercury on the seed germination, early seedling growth, metabolite level, enzyme activities and the uptake of heavy metal content in the seeds were tested. It may be concluded that the inhibition of germination, rate of germination and growth of seeds of Vigna unguiculata in response to mercury demonstrate that they are suppressed not only the protrusion of radical or delayed the germination but also retarded the growth. The seedling growth is more sensitive to heavy metal (Hg²⁺) in comparison to seed germination. Mercury treatment is potentially toxic to Vigna unguiculata ischolar_main than shoot. Absorption depends on the ability of the ischolar_main and may have an influence on synthesis of protein, carbohydrate, activity of enzyme and phenolic content, some of which can be enhanced, while others get inhibited. The sensitivity of Vigna unguiculata seeds in terms of biochemical changes and enzyme activities was remarkably noticeable. The results suggest that biochemical changes and enzyme activity in Vigna unguiculata plants is promising indicator of heavy metal toxicity. Vigna unguiculata assay should be further explored so that its value can be evaluated when more data are available.

Keywords

Vigna unguiculata Seed, Germination Seedling, Growth Mercury Toxicity, Antioxidant, Metabolites.

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P. Uma Devi ¹, S. Murugan ¹, S. Akilapriyadharasini ², S. Suja ², P. Chinnaswamy ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Microbiology, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-641 014, T. N, IN
2 Department of Biochemistry, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-641 014, T. N, IN
3 Institute of Laboratory Medicines, Kovai Medical Center and Hospitals, Coimbatore-641 014, IN

Abstract

The lethal toxicity tests for mercury and effluents were performed in Vigna unguiculata (cow pea). There was a significant alteration in the growth of plants. Effects of mercury and effluents reduce the germination of seeds. An abnormality in ischolar_main-shoot length as well as variation in amylase activity was observed. The amount of phenolic compounds increase with increase in mercury content. Since Vigna unguiculata is an annual plant, results can be seen quickly.

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