Effect of root feeding of heavy metals on the leaf concentration of P, K, Ca and Mg in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)

Abstract

The effect of supplying various metals viz. Pb, Cd, AI, Bi, Cr, Cu and Ba to the roots of coconut palms on the P, K, Ca and Mg concentration in the leaves of cocnut palms was investigated. The results showed that compared with the control the amount of leaf phosphorus was reduced by all the metals. The K concentration in the leaves was reduced by A1, Cd and Ba but increased by Bi and Cr. Leaf Ca concentration was decreased by A1 and Pb treatments and increased by Cd, Cr and Ba. The amount of magnesium in the leaves was low in palms receiving the AI and the Cr but enhanced by Pb.

DNA damage in Cicer plant grown on soil polluted with heavy metals

“…The mechanism by which heavy metals induce these effects in the plant is complex. Heavy metals are known to interfere with nutritional elements of seedlings and plants, thus causing deficiency or abnormal ion distribution within the plant (Khan and Khan, 1983;Biddappa et al, 1987;Trivedi and Erdei, 1992). Okamoto (1992, 1993) have shown that heavy metals inhibit plant growth by suppressing the elongation of the plant cells which may be due to the inhibitory effect on mitosis.…”