Bioaccumulation of chromium and toxicity to photosynthetic pigments, nitrate reductase activity and protein content of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.

A study was conducted to assess the ability of N. nucifera Gaertn. in chromium removal and in bioassay using a few modifiable physiological responses. Plants grown in different chromium concentrations (50 to 200 mu M) showed appreciable amounts of the same accumulated in their tissues, maximum being in roots. Higher amounts of chromium accumulated in plant tissues result significant inhibition in chlorophyll, protein contents and in vitro nitrate reductase activity in test plant. A concentration - duration dependent response induced by chromium was also recorded. Sensitivity of nitrate reductase activity in the presence of both nitrate and ammonical nitrogen could be used as a bioassay index for toxicity assessment against supraoptimal concentrations of chromium. (C)1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.