A Mini Review on Lead (Pb) Toxicity in Plants

Abstract

Contamination of soil by various heavy metals is increasing day by day by different activities, such as industrialization and urbanization. Lead (Pb) is one of the potential heavy metal that is neither essential element nor has any role in the process of cell metabolism but it is easily absorbed and accumulated in different parts of a plant. The Pb uptake is mainly regulated by PH, particle size, and cation exchange capacity of the soil, root exudation and by different other physical and chemical parameters. The high concentration of Pb can cause a number of toxic symptoms in plants that may be retardation in growth (Stunted growth), negative affect on photosynthesis (chlorosis), blackening of roots and different other symptoms. Lead (Pb) has the ability to inhibit photosynthesis, disturb mineral nutrition and water balance, changes hormonal status and affects membrane structure and permeability. This review describes different morphological, physiological and biochemical effects of Lead (Pb) toxicity in plants.