Tapan Adhikari

Sorption characteristics of lead and cadmium in some soils of India

To evaluate the sorption mechanism of heavy metals viz. cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in major soil types, an experiment was conducted on Vertic Ustochrept, Typic Eutrochrept, Typic Ustipsamment, Typic Haplustalf and Typic Ustorthent representing five agroecological zones (AEZ) of India. The thermodynamic parameters viz. K°, ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° were determined by using sorption data and concentrations of Cd and Pb in equilibrium solution at two different temperatures 25±2 and 45±2 °C of soil suspension. Results showed that the data of heavy metals sorption could be described satisfactorily by Freundlich and modified (two surfaces) Langmuir isotherms. The Pb sorption was maximum in the order of Vertic Ustochrept>Typic Eutrochrept>Typic Ustochrept>Typic Haplustalf>Typic Ustorthent. The magnitude of Cd sorption was 4 to 6 times less than that of Pb. The Vertic Ustochrept sorbed Cd 4.0 and 2.5 times and Pb by 2.0 and 1.9 times more than that of Ustorthent and Haplustalf soils, respectively. Such variations in Cd and Pb sorption maxima were correlated with the differences in pH, CEC and organic matter content of the soils. Thermodynamic parameters revealed that heavy metal sorption increased as the value of K°, ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° increased with temperature. The high values of ΔG° both for Pb and Cd indicated that both the reactions are spontaneous. The values of ΔH° were found to be negative for Cd and positive for Pb concluded that Cd sorption reaction was exothermic while Pb sorption was found to be an endothermic reaction in all the soils.

Effect of Cadmium and Iron on Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Plant in Chelator-Buffered Nutrient Solution

ABSTRACT To better understand the mechanisms responsible for differences in uptake and distribution of cadmium (Cd), nutrient-solution experiments were conducted with different varieties of rice (Oryza sativa), ‘Khitish’ and ‘CNRH3’. The plants were grown in a complete nutrient solution with different levels of pCd (-log free Cd+2 activity) and pFe [-log free iron (Fe+2) activity]. The required concentrations of chelating agent and metals were determined using a computerized chemical equilibrium model such as Geochem-PC. Experimental treatments included a combination of four pCd activity levels (0, 7.9, 8.2, and 8.5) applied as Cd (NO3)2 4H2O, and two pFe activity levels (17.0 and 17.8) applied as FeCl3. The application of both Cd and Fe in solution culture significantly affected plant growth, yield, and Cd accumulation in plant tissue. In general, yield of rice was decreased by an increase in amount of solution Cd; however, yield response varied among the cultivars. At the 7.9 pCd level, yields of rice cultivars ‘Khitish’ and ‘CNRH3’ were reduced to 69% and 65%, respectively, compared with control plants. Root Cd concentrations ranged from 2.6 mg kg−1 (control plants) to 505.7 mg kg−1 and were directly related to solution Cd concentrations. In rice plants, Cd toxicity symptoms resembled Fe chlorosis. Differential tolerance of varieties to phytotoxicity was not readily visible, but a significant interaction of substrate Cd and variety was obtained from dry-matter yields. Significant interactions indicated that response of tissue Cd concentration, plant Cd uptake, and translocation of Cd to the aerial parts were dependent on variety as well as substrate Cd. Uptake of Cd by roots was significantly higher than by shoots. Higher Cd uptake by rice plants decreased the uptake of other beneficial metals. The effect of Cd and Fe on the rate of phytometallophore release was also studied in the nutrient solution. Among the rice genotypes, ‘Khitish’ was the most sensitive to Cd toxicity. In both genotypes, with the onset of visual Cd-toxicity symptoms, the release of phytometallophore (PM) was enhanced. Among the rice varieties, ‘Khitish’ had the highest rate of PM release. Treatments with the metal ions studied produced a decrease in chlorophyll and enzyme activity. A decrease in concentrations of chlorophyll pigments in the third leaf was observed due to the highest activity level of Cd (pCd 7.9). Activities of enzymes such as peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) are altered by toxic amounts of Cd. Changes in enzyme activities occurred at the lowest activity of Cd (pCd 8.5) in solution. Peroxidase activity increased in the third leaf. Results showed that in contrast with growth parameters, the measurements of enzyme activities may be included as early biomarkers in a plant bioassay to assess the phytotoxicity of Cd-contaminated solution on rice plants. Evidence that Cd uptake and translocation are genetically controlled warrants the selection of varieties that assimilate the least Cd and that translocate the least metal to the plant part to be used for human and animal consumption.

Phytoaccumulation and Tolerance of Riccinus Communis L. to Nickel

The phytotoxicity due to nickel (Ni) and its accumulation in castor (Ricinus communis L.) plant of Euphorbiaceae family resulting from its addition from low to very high levels to a swell-shrink clayey soil (Haplustert) was studied in a pot culture experiment. Nine levels of Ni (0, 10, 40, 80, 120, 160, 180, 200, 250 mg Ni kg−1 soil) were applied. Crop was harvested at 45 days after sowing. At the higher Ni levels, beyond 200 mg Ni kg−1 soil, reduced growth symptom was recorded. The concentration of Ni in plant parts increased with increasing dose of applied Ni. Nickel concentration in castor root ranged from traces (control) to 455 mg kg−1 and was directly related to soil Ni concentration. At 200 mg Ni kg−1 soil, dry matter yield of castor reduced to 10% of control plant. Significant changes were observed in the roots of castor treated with higher levels of Ni against control. The roots treated with Ni showed a decrease in number of cells in the cortex region. It also appeared that the cortex region consisted of elongated parenchymatous cells instead of the normal parenchymatous tissue as in the control plant. Regarding Ni accumulation capacity, castor plant was recorded as an accumulator (α = 0.11 and β = 1.10). A laboratory study was also conducted in the experimental soil to know the different operationally defined fractions of Ni, which control the availability of Ni to castor. Different fractions of Ni present in this soil followed this order: Residual > Fe-Mn oxides > carbonate > organic > exchangeable > water soluble Overall results depict that castor is a promising species which can be used as a potential plant for phytoremediation of contaminated soils and to improve soil quality and provide economical benefits.

Effect of lime and organic matter on distribution of zinc, copper, iron, and manganese in acid soils

Abstract Liming is essential in highly leached acid soils for increasing soil fertility as it promotes congenial chemical and biological environment. Application of organic matter along with lime has also been found beneficial for crop productivity in such soils. As external addition of organic matter provides easy source of organic carbon (C), it proliferates heterotrophic microorganisms. Addition of such amendments is expected to have profound effect on the availability of cationic micronutrients which are present in low amount. An experiment was undertaken at B.C.K.V., West Bengal, India to study the effect of lime and cellulose (as organic C source) additions on the transformation of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in two soils with different cropping history. Results indicated that in tea garden soil, metals were mobilized into organically complexed (in case of Zn and Mn) and amorphous Fe oxides bound (in case of Zn, Cu, and Fe); whereas in field cropped soil these were mobilize...

Growth and enzymatic activity of maize (Zea mays L.) plant: Solution culture test for copper dioxide nano particles

ABSTRACT Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for plants, which acts either as the metal component of enzymes or as a functional structural or a regulatory co-factor of a large number of enzymes. To understand the possible benefits of applying nanotechnology to agriculture, the first step should be to analyze penetration and transport of nano-particles in plants. The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that copper nanoparticle would enter into the plant cell and govern the growth of maize plant.A solution culture experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of Cu nano-particles (<50nm) on the growth and enzymatic activity of maize (Zea mays L.) plant. Bioaccumulation of Cu nano-particles in plant was also investigated. Results showed that Cu nano-particles can enter into the plant cell through roots and leaves. Bioaccumulation increased with increasing concentration of Cu nano-particles (NPs), and agglomeration of particles was observed in the cells using transmission-electron microscopy. Application of Cu nano-particles through solution culture as well as spray enhanced the growth (51%) of maize plant in comparison to control. The different enzymatic activities like glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, andguaiacol peroxidase were studied to find a possible pathway through which NPs may affect the enzymatic activity of plant. Amongst the enzymes, the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was highly influenced by copper oxide (CuO)nano-particles application by spray as well as in solution. Experimental results revealed that CuOnano-particles affected the pentose phosphate pathway of maize plant. The obtained experimental results provided conclusive evidence to indicate that the nano-particles considered under this study could enter into the plant cell, easily be assimilated by plants and also enhanced its growth by regulating the different enzyme activities.

Distribution of Zinc Fractions in Some Major Soils of India and the Impact on Nutrition of Rice

Abstract Speciation study of microelements in soils is useful to assess their retention and release by the soil to the plant. Laboratory and greenhouse investigations were conducted for five soils of different agro‐ecological zones (viz., Bhuna, Delhi, Cooch‐Behar, Gurgaon, and Pabra) with diverse physicochemical properties to study the distribution of zinc (Zn) among the soil fractions with respect to the availability of Zn species for uptake by rice plant. A sequential extraction procedure was used that fractionated total soil Zn into water‐soluble (WS), exchangeable (EX), specifically adsorbed (SA), acid‐soluble (AS), manganese (Mn)‐oxide‐occluded (Mn‐OX), organic‐matter‐occluded (OM), amorphous iron (Fe)‐oxide‐bound (AFe‐OX), crystalline Fe‐oxide‐bound (CFe‐OX), and residual (RES) forms. There was a wide variation in the magnitude of these fractions among the soils. The studies revealed that more than 90% of the total Zn content occurred in the relatively inactive clay lattice and other mineral‐bound form (RES) and that only a small fraction occurred in the forms of WS, EX, OM, AFe‐OX, and CFe‐OX. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars differ widely in their sensitivity to Zn deficiency. Results suggested that Zn in water‐soluble, organic complexes, exchange positions, and amorphous sesquioxides were the fractions (pools) that played a key role in the uptake of Zn by the rice varieties (viz., Pusa‐933‐87‐1‐11‐88‐1‐2‐1, Pusa‐44, Pusa‐834, Jaya, and Pusa‐677). Isotopic ally exchangeable Zn (labile Zn) was recorded higher in Typic Ustrochrept of Pabra soil, and uptake of Zn by rice cultivars was also higher in this soil. The kinetic parameters such as maximum influx at high concentrations (Imax) and nutrient concentration in solution where influx is one half of Imax (Km) behaved differentially with respect to varieties. The highest Imax value recorded was 9.2×10−7 µmol cm−2 s−1 at the 5 mg kg−1 Zn rate for Pusa‐933‐87‐1‐11‐88‐1‐2‐1, and the same was lowest for Pusa‐44, being 4.6×10−7 µmol cm−2 s−1 at the 5 mg kg−1 Zn rate. The Km value was highest for Pusa‐44 (2.1×10−4µmol cm−2 s−1) and lowest for Pusa‐933‐87‐1‐11‐88‐1‐2‐1 (1.20×10−4µmol cm−2 s−1). The availability of Zn to rice cultivars in Typic Ustrochrepts of Bhuna and Delhi soils, which are characterized by higher activation energy and entropy factor, was accompanied by breakage of bonds or by significant structural changes.

Cadmium Phytotoxicity in Spinach with or without Spent Wash in a Vertisol

Abstract The phytotoxicity due to cadmium (Cd) and its likely contamination of the food chain—resulting from its addition from low to very high levels to a swell‐shrink clayey soil (Haplustert) in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)—was studied in a pot culture experiment. Twelve levels of Cd (0, 2, 4, 8, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 120, 160, 200 mg kg−1 soil) were applied singly and in combination with two doses (0 and 2.5 cm) of spent wash. Above 80 mg Cd kg−1 soil, there was very slow growth of spinach after germination. Spinach crop suffering from severe Cd toxicity had small roots and narrow yellowish leaves, covered in small necrotic spots. Higher levels of Cd inhibited the growth and biomass of the crop. However, application of spent wash alleviated the toxic effect of Cd to some extent. The concentration of Cd in plant parts increased when Cd was applied singly but decreased considerably when used in combination with spent wash. Cd concentration in spinach root ranged from traces (control) to 120 mg kg−1 dry matter and was directly related to soil Cd concentration. At 40 mg kg−1 soil, yield of spinach was reduced to 38% of control plants. A laboratory study was also conducted in the soils collected from treated pots after harvest in order to know the different operationally defined fractions of Cd that control the availability of Cd to spinach and that were correlated with dry‐matter yield of spinach crop.

Characterization of Zinc Oxide Nano Particles and Their Effect on Growth of Maize (Zea mays L.) Plant

In the current literature, the impact of nano-particles (NPs) on growth of higher plants has scantly been reported. An investigation was carried out to study the effect of zinc oxide nano-particles (<100 nm) on growth of maize (Zea mays L.) plant, as one of the major agricultural crops, in a solution culture system. Various concentrations of zinc (Zn) were applied through nano-zinc oxide (ZnO) particles (<100 nm) in suspension form and in ionic form through zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) salt in Hoagland solution culture. Experimental results showed that nano zinc oxide particles could enhance and maintain the growth of maize plant as well as conventional Zn fertilizer (as ZnSO4). The plant parameters like plant height, root length, root volume, and dry matter weight were all improved due to application of zinc oxide nano-particle. These findings indicate that plant roots might have the unique mechanism of assimilating nano-Zn and using for its growth and development. Different enzymatic activities were also studied and experimental results revealed that nano-ZnO particles (<100 nm) also governed the enzymatic activity of maize plant. A separate laboratory experiment was also carried out to characterize the zinc oxide nano particle for its size, zeta potential, etc.

Phytoaccumulation of lead by selected wetland plant species.

Several anthropogenic activities lead to the production of substantial amounts of aqueous effluents that contain various toxic trace and heavy metals and which pose potential threats to the wild habitat of wetlands. As a part of the remediation of heavy metals, it is necessary to identify some aquatic hyperaccumulator plants. To this end, a greenhouse study was conducted to investigate the phytotoxicity resulting from lead (Pb) and its accumulation in selected plant species. Lead was added from low to very high levels in a swell–shrink clayey soil (Typic Haplustert). Seven levels of Pb (0, 50, 100 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg kg–1 soil) were applied. Typha angustifolia L. of Typhaceae and Behaya plant (Ipomoea carnea L.) of the Convolvulaceae family were taken as test plants. Lead was added at high and low concentrations to determine whether an increase in concentration would Pb to an increased toxicity to the plants. Recorded weight of the Typha crop was reduced (6%) at 600 mg Pb kg–1 soil, and at greater doses of Pb, the dry-matter yield was inhibited considerably. In the case of Ipomoea, no growth retardation from Pb was observed. Most Pb accumulated in roots and then was transported to shoots. The Typha angustifolia L. and Ipomoea carnea L. plants show promise for the removal of Pb from contaminated wastewater because they can accumulate high concentrations of Pb in roots (1200 and 1500 mg Pb kg–1 respectively) and shoots (275 and 425 mg Pb kg–1 respectively). Lead uptake by both the plants increased with the increasing doses of Pb (50 to 800 mg kg–1 soil). Physiological parameters such as photosynthesis, respiration, chlorophyll content, and different enzyme activities including nitrate reductase (NR), peroxidase (POD), and succinate dehydrogenase (SD) were also studied for the evaluation of these plant species. In Typha plants, at greater doses of Pb, the rate of photosynthesis and chlorophyll content decreased whereas POD and SD activities increased to combat oxidative stress.

Zinc delivery to plants through seed coating with nano-zinc oxide particles

ABSTRACT In India, zinc (Zn) has been recognized as the fourth most important yield-limiting nutrient after nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Supplementing the zinc (Zn) requirement of agricultural crops through water soluble zinc sulfate ZnSO4 fertilizer is a costly management option whereas, utilization of ZnO (water insoluble and a cheaper material) as a source of Zn could be an alternative cost effective option to encourage farmers for wider adoption. In this present investigation, in order to supply the requisite amount of Zn to the plants, a protocol has been developed to coat the seeds of maize (Zea mays L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), pigeon pea (Cajanas cajan L.) and ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) with microns scale (<3 µm) and nano-scale (<100 nm) ZnO powder at 25 mg Zn/g seed and at 50 mg Zn/g seed. Different Zn sources, ethyl alcohol, and crude pine oleoresin (POR) were used for coating of seeds. The germination test carried out with coated and uncoated seeds indicated better germination percentage (93–100%) due to ZnO coating as compared to uncoated seeds (80%). Pot culture experiment conducted with coated seeds also revealed that the crop growth with ZnO coated seeds were similar to that observed with soluble Zn treatment applied as zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO4·7H2O) (at 2.5 ppm Zn) which is evident from the periodic SPAD reading taken after 20, 25, 30 and 45 days after sowing. Application of Zn through different sources also enhanced the auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production in plant roots, which subsequently improved the overall growth. The most important advantage of seed coating with ZnO (both micron/nano-scale) is that it did not exert any osmotic potential at the time of germination of the seed, thus, the total requirement of Zn of the crop can be loaded with the seed effectively through nano-scale ZnO particle.