Toxicological changes in rice under nickel stress

ABSTRACT

Nickel is an important mineral trace nutrient found at low concentrations in most natural soils as a heavy metal. However, it may reach toxic levels in certain areas and affect a number of biochemical and physiological processes in plants. The present study reports nickel (Ni) induced phytotoxic alterations in plant growth, physiology and antioxidative enzyme activities in rice (Oryza sativa L cv. NDR-97) seedlings under applications of Ni²⁺ ions. Hydroponically grown 7 days old rice seedlings were studied for the impact of different concentrations of Ni⁺² (10µM to100 µM). The seedlings showed stimulated growth when supplemented with 10μM of Ni⁺² and where as growth retardation was observed beyond 10μM of Ni⁺² treatments which were evidenced from their respective total chlorophyll values. Catalase and peroxidase activity exhibits a concentration dependent increase with elevated Ni⁺² treatments. Ni Phytotoxicity assessment in developing rice crops will reveal the extent of negative impacts of Ni in response to its physiological and biochemical parameters.

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