Effect of Co and Cu (Heavy Metals) on the Anatomical and Histochemical Aspects of Eichhornia Crassipes (Mart.) Solms

Abstract

An attempt has made to study the accumulation of heavy metals such as copper and cobalt in Eichhornia crassipes (Mart). Solms, as bioaccumulation of this compounds leads to various health risks. The study was conducted by treating the plant Eichhornia crassipes (Mart). Solms with 800μM of Co and Cu separately and compared with the one kept as control. At the end of 60th day it was observed that these heavy metals were present in plants roots, stolon, petiole and leaves and the degradation of vascular tissues was noticed. The histochemical analysis showed the reduced contents of starch and protein metabolites in the metal treated conditions.