Toxicity of industrial wastewater to the aquatic plant Lemna minor L.

ABSTRACT

Toxicity evaluation of industrial wastewater has been done by using bioassay system of an aquatic plant Lemna minor at different time intervals. Growth inhibition was measured as reduction in fresh and dry weight in industrial wastewater and sewage water, exposed L. minor plants. Results of fresh and dry weight indicate significant decrease in industrial wastewater and sewage wastewater during the different seasons of the year. At 72 and 96 hr of industrial wastewater exposure, decrease in chlorophyll content was significant in comparison to control. Decrease in total protein content was 32.5%, 14.7% and 30.6% at 96 hr of exposure in industrial wastewater in premonsoon, monsoon and postmonsoon season. Exposure of industrial wastewater to L. minor shows that it is a highly sensitive plant to the pollutants present in industrial wastewater.