Moringa oleifera extract as an inhibitor of heavy metal phytotoxicity on lettuce germination

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze the influence of heavy metals of Moringa oleifera extract on the germination process and development of lettuce seedlings, as well as to describe the reduction of toxic effects of heavy metals due to the interaction with the extract. From June to October 2018, four tests were carried out in a completely randomized design, two of which were toxicity tests, with concentrations in mg L-1 of the metals, Arsenic, Cadmium and Lead; one of extract phytotoxicity, using six concentrations in g L-1 of Moringa oleifera seed powder; and another on the interaction between heavy metal solutions and Moringa oleifera extract. In all tests, four repetitions of each treatment were performed. The inhibitory effect of heavy metals and Moringa oleifera extract on lettuce germination was verified. In the interaction between the heavy metal solutions with the Moringa oleifera extract, the concentration of 0.25 g L-1 inhibited the toxicity of the metals Arsenic and Cadmium in the germination process of lettuce seedlings.