Inhibition of Nitrogen Fixation in Alfalfa by Arsenate, Heavy Metals, Fluoride, and Simulated Acid Rain

Abstract

The acute effects of aqueous solutions of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, F, and Zn ions at concentrations from 0.01 to 100 micrograms per milliliter and solutions adjusted to pH 2 to 6 with nitric or sulfuric acid were studied with respect to acetylene reduction, net photosynthesis, respiration rate, and chlorophyll content in Vernal alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv. Vernal). The effects of the various treatments on acetylene reduction varied from no demonstrable effect by any concentration of F(-) and 42% inhibition by 100 micrograms Pb(2+) per milliliter, to 100% inhibition by 10 micrograms Cd(2+) per milliliter and 100 micrograms per milliliter As, Cu(2+), and Zn(2+) ions. Zn(2+) showed statistically significant inhibition of activity at 0.1 micrograms per milliliter. Acid treatments were not inhibitory above pH 2, at which pH nitric acid inhibited acetylene reduction activity more than did sulfuric acid. The inhibition of acetylene reduction by these ions was Zn(2+) > Cd(2+) > Cu(2+) > AsO(3) (-) > Pb(2+) > F(-). The sensitivity of acetylene reduction to the ions was roughly equal to the sensitivity of photosynthesis, respiration, and chlorophyll content when Pb(2+) was applied, but was 1,000 times more sensitive to Zn(2+). The relationship of the data to field conditions and industrial pollution is discussed.