Lead accumulation and toxicity in<i>Vallisneria spiralis</i>.(L.) and<i>Hvdrilla vertieillata</i>(l.f.) Royle∗

Abstract

Abstract Lead uptake potential of two aquatic macrophytes Vallisneria spiral is and Hvdrilla verticillata were determined in solution cultures under the laboratory conditions. Both the plants showed substantial accumulation of Pb, though it was more in H. verticillata. Accumulation was more in the roots of V. spiralis. Metal toxicity was largely insignificant at lower ambient concentrations. At higher Pb level (100 μM), inhibition in chlorophyll and protein content, in vivo nitrate reductase activity was recorded. Feasibilty of using both plants individually and in combination, for reducing Pb level in the water bodies has been suggested. Key words: AccumulationToxicityLead Vai1isneria spira1is Hydri11a verticillata Notes N. B. R. I. Research publication No.() n.s. Author for correspondence