Abstract

Keeping in view the effects of industrial effluents mainly the bio-accumulative heavy metals on plants, we propose the present study. Experiments showed increasing concentrations of lead acetate treatments suppress germination of Bengal gram seeds. Root development in control seeds were appropriate compared to the seeds in 1mM concentration whereas seeds in 2mM and 4mM were more affected by lead acetate. Total carbohydrate and starch content in treated samples increased but reducing sugar content decreased with the progression of higher toxic concentration. Antioxidant enzymes like peroxidase and catalase activities were observed higher in treated samples than control. Seeds in 1mM concentration were considered to be the highest tolerant (45.8%) against the toxicity of lead acetate. Awareness needs to be generated for maintaining toxic free atmosphere and to avoid heavy metal contamination in food for safe and healthy future

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