Effects of some heavy metals on root growth of germinating seeds of vicia faba

Abstract

Seeds of Vicia faba were treated with solutions containing Cd, Co, Ni, and Zn alone and in combination and their subsequent effects on root elongation were measured after 72 hrs. Treatment with low concentrations of Co, Ni, Zn, or combination of metals stimulated root elongation. Higher concentrations of these metals and all treatments of Cd caused reductions in root elongation. The rank order of toxicity of heavy metals for root growth was Cd>Ni>Zn=Co.

Key words:

• Heavy metals
• Root Growth
• Toxicity