Effects of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) on growth of selected maize and sorghum cultivas.

Abstract

Heavy metals, often introduced into the environment through industrial activities and agricultural practices, can have profound effects on plant health and development. These metals can disrupt physiological processes, impair nutrient uptake, and induce oxidative stress, leading to reduced growth and productivity. Understanding the mechanisms heavy metal toxicity and plant responses is critical for developing strategies to mitigate their impact on ecosystems. In this study, aside from the the effects of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) on plant height, root and shoot biomass, the  bioaccumulation properties of maize cultivars, and Sorghum was studied to determine their potentials as susceptibility (bio indicators) or tolerance (bioremediators). Two maize varieties (Oba 98 and Oba super11) and one sorghum variety (Sk5912) were grown under varying concentrations of Zn(50, 75, and100 mg kg), Cu(36, 50, and 75 mg kg^-1), Pb(85, 130, and 150 mg kg^-1), and Cd(0.8, 1.3 and 1.8 mg kg^-1) and different growth parameters i.e plant height and biomass were studied. Likewise the bioaccumulation of heavy metals was also assessed on the root and shoot of the plants. Studied plant attributes were adversely affected by heavy metals toxicity. Heavy metals impacted plant height and biomass. Maize varieties and sorghum showed a significant phytoremediation potential i.e. uptake of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd), however Cu-accumulation was higher in shoots and roots of sorghum (Sk 5912).These maize and sorghum varieties may be recommended for general cultivation in heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) contaminated areas.