EFFECT OF CHROMIUM ON MORPHOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES ON AQUATIC MACROPHYTE PISTIA STRATIOTES L. (WATER LETTUCE)

The current work reports an ecofriendly approach to study morphological and biochemical responses of Pistia stratiotes L. (Water lettuce) were investigated. The assessment of morphological, biochemical parameters, and accumulation of chromium in free-floating macrophyte exposed at its various concentrations viz. 0.25, 0.50, 1.25, and 2.5 ppm of chromium at the regular intervals of 4, 8, and 12 days, respectively. Pistia showed morphological toxicity like withering of roots, chlorosis, and necrosis at higher concentrations (2.5 ppm) of chromium. However, the plant showed normal growth at a lower concentration of 0.25 and 0.50 ppm. The evaluation of biochemical parameters of test plants showed Total Chlorophyll, Carbohydrate, and Protein content was increased at lower concentrations (0.25 ppm) and decreased at higher concentrations (2.5 ppm) of chromium. The toxicity of chromium was found to be directly proportional to its concentration and duration of exposure. It is evident from the results that the accumulation of chromium can produce adverse effects on the morphology of test plant species at a higher concentration of chromium. This may be attributed to the stress-induced by chromium.