EFFECT OF LEAD AND MERCURY UPTAKE ON THE GROWTH OF Capsicum annuum L.

ABSTRACT

The effects of lead and mercury ions on the growth of Capsicum annuum L. were investigated. In vitro and potted lead experiments were carried out. The in vitro experiment was done using petri-dishes. Germination, radicle and plumule length were the parameter determined. Parameters measured for the potted field experiment were germination, plant height, stem girth, number of leaves per plant, fresh and dry weight. Different concentration of lead and mercury were carried out on C. annuum in the soil and in vitro experiment. These concentrations include 0 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 150 ppm, 200 ppm, 250 ppm, 300 ppm, 350 ppm, and 400 ppm. There was increase in plant height at different concentrations over time in C. annuum plant grown in soil treated with lead solution with the lowest at 250 ppm. There was slight significant difference among the different concentrations with just few exceptions. There was extreme significance in plumule length in C. annuum treated with Hg ion in in vitro study. There was growth enhancement of pumule length of 0ppm conc. and low plumule length with increase in concentration at 400 ppm with 3.30% and 0.63% respectively. Germination of C. annuum treated with Pb²⁺ ion in in vitro study progressed from day 3 to day 10. The percent germination obtained in 0 ppm and 400 ppm were 60.00% and 16.667% respectively. In mercury, it was observed that the number of leaves decreased as the experiment progressed from 2 weeks to 8 weeks after planting. The decrease in the number of leaves was very insignificant with the lowest at 100 ppm. However, it was noted that 200 ppm and 300 ppm concentration treatment caused death at 2 weeks to 8 weeks.