Effect of Lead
stress on morphology and chlorophyll content of chickpea seedlings
Tarique Maimoona and Srivastava Neerja
Res. J. Chem. Environ.; Vol. 29(8); 107-110;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/298rjce1070110; (2025)
Abstract
Heavy metal contamination in soil, particularly lead (Pb), is a growing environmental
issue worldwide including India. Pb, a toxic metal with no biological function,
is known to adversely affect both plant and animal life by disrupting cellular functions
and causing organ damage. Pb toxicity in plants results in reduced growth, metabolic
disturbances and compromised photosynthetic activity.
In this study, morphological, biochemical and physiological changes in chickpea
seedlings have been studied under varying concentrations of Pb. Chickpea seedlings
showed a negative response to Pb(NO3)2 on morphological parameters as well as biochemical
components. This indicates that lead is a toxic element for plant growth and development.
Lead had a substantial impact on the chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll content.
