Phytotoxic effect of leachates of industrial solid waste on the growth of Pisum sativum.

ABSTRACT

The present investigation deals with the study on the phytotoxicity of leachates obtained from Eveready Industries India Ltd., Flashlight Lucknow. Analysis of heavy metals in leachates and effluent showed that leachates contained heavy metals in the following order Ni>Zn>Cr>Cu, whereas effluent mainly contained Hg in high (0.22 mg ml-1) concentration. Phytotoxicity of leachates on different parameters of P. sativum was studied in pot experiment. The results revealed that leachate induced concentration dependent decline in the germination percentageand protein content. However, lower concentration of leachate (5-20%) showed stimulatory effect on the chlorophyll and carotenoid content. A continuous dumping of such solid waste in the vicinity of populated area will ultimately cause surface and ground water pollution due to leaching of the waste.