Study of the Effect of Lead (Heavy Metal)

A major environmental concern due to dispersal of industrial and urban wastes generated by human activities is the contamination of soil. Controlled and uncontrolled disposal of waste, accidental and process spillage, mining and smelting of metalliferous ores, sewage sludge application to agricultural soils are responsible for the migration of contaminants into non-contaminated sites as dust or leachate and contribute towards contamination of our ecosystem. The present study was undertaken to study the effect of heavy metals on the growth of Brasicca juncea and thereby its utilization for phytoremediation. The minimum amount of lead (0 mg/gm) was found in plant treated in 0 % concentration of lead acetate and maximum amount of lead (0. 0011 mg/gm) was found in plant treated in (0. 6%) concentration of lead acetate. The percentage germination for control, 0. 2, 0. 4, 0. 6 percent lead acetate treated seedling was 89%, 88%, 86. 66% and 83% respectively. The length of shoot was found much less in plant treated in 0. 6% concentration of lead acetate (10 cm), as compared to the length of shoot in plant treated with 0% concentration of lead acetate (8 cm). Length of roots was found maximum in 0. 6% concentration of lead acetate (2 cm), as compared to the length of shoot in plant treated with 0% concentration of lead acetate (0. 5 cm). It was found that Brasica juncea tolerated highest concentration of heavy metals and can accumulate lead. Key Words: leachate, heavy metals, lead, phytoremediation, Brasicca juncea. Introduction Heavy metal contamination of soil, water and air has caused serious environmental hazard in the biosphere due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. Lead is probably one of the most frequently encountered heavy metals in polluted environment. The primary sources of this metal include mining and smelting of metalliferous ores, burning of leaded gasoline, disposal of municipal sewage and industrial wastes enriched in lead as well as using of lead-based paint (Kabata-Pendias and Pendias 1984; Seaward and Richard-son 1990). Relatively high levels of lead concentrations were recorded as high as 7,000 Â µg/ gm in roadside soil (Kabata-Pendias and Pendias 1984) and 13,380 Â µg/gm in mining district soil (Wick land 1990). In recent years it has been reported that some plant species known as hyper accumulator derived from heavy metal-contaminated areas have the ability to accumulate unusually high content of heavy metals without dramatically being impacted in their growth and development. (Reeves, Brooks and Malaises 1985; Baker and Brooks 1989). This raises the suggestion that these hyper accumulators may provide the basis for phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated sites (Baker et al. 1991). Phytoremediation potential of a few such species for heavy metal-contaminated soil and water has recently been detected (Brown et al. 994; Kumar et al. 1995; Dushenkov et al. 1995; Huang et al. 1997; Blaylock et al. 1997). Lead as a Heavy metal: Lead (Pb) exists naturally in many forms throughout the world & has a soil retention time of 150-5000 yrs. Lead is among those heavy metals which have no known biological function. Never the less, numerous investigations show that plants can accumulate lead via root and shoot, and that the lead concentrations in plant tissues are significantly related to the lead levels in environment (Kabata-Pendias and Pendias 1984; Nwosu et al. 995; Sawidis et al 1995; Xiong 1998). Excessive lead accumulated in plant tissue can be toxic to most plants, leading to decrease in seed germination, root elongation and biomass, inhibition of chlorophyll biosynthesis, as well as cell disturbance and chromosome lesion (Balsberg Pahlsson 1989; Kumar et al. 1991; Fargasova 1994; Xiong 1997c). In lead and other heavy metal-contaminated sites, the vegetation structure and biodiversity are usually reduced barren patches of soil occurring, and trees are sparse or absent (Wickland 1990). Material and Method Brasicca juncea seeds obtained from nursery were treated with lead acetate solution of concentrations ranging from 0. 0%, 0. 2%, 0. 4% & 0. 6% for control the seed were soaked in distilled water. After 24 hrs the seeds were transferred on wet filter paper (wet by the solutions of respective conc. ) in plastic trays. Seedlings were harvested after twenty days, the germination rate and the length of root and shoot was recorded. The amount of lead accumulated in the seedlings was also calculated. Stock solution of 0. 2%, o. 4% and 0. % was prepared in the following way: 20 mg of lead acetate in 1000 ml distilled water in volumetric flask gave 0. 2% of lead acetate solution. In the same way 40 mg & 60 mg lead acetate salt were dissolved to prepare 0. 4% & 0. 6%. stock solutions respectively. The DNA in control and the treated seedlings was estimated by Diphenylamine reaction. Optical density was read at 595 nm on a photoelectric colorimeter. Standard graph of O. D. on Y-axis and concentration of standard DNA on X-axis was plotted. DNA from sample was estimated with the help of standard graph. The Folin Lowry’s method of protein assay was used for protein estimation in control and treated seedlings. Optical density was read at 625 nm on photoelectric colorimeter. For the estimation of lead from the treated seedlings, 10 gm of the plant material was crushed in mortar and pestle in 40 ml distilled water and the solution was filtered. Another series was made by taking 10 ml sample solution from filtrate of all concentrations from 0. 2%, 0. 4%, 0. 6% and control. 25 ml of freshly prepared Ammonium solution and 0. 5 ml of Sodium sulfide solution was added to all the above test tubes. Similarly for standard graph, varying concentration (0. 25 – 1. 5ml) of working lead solution was prepared. To this 25 ml of freshly prepared Ammonium solution to make it alkaline was added; also 0. 5 ml of Sodium Sulfide was added. The volume of all solutions was equalized with distilled water. A blank was also prepared in the same manner without adding lead solution. Optical density was read at 430 nm on photoelectric colorimeter. The concentration of lead was calculated in terms of mg/litre from standard graph. Result & Discussion The minimum amount of DNA (4. 50 mg/gm) was found in seedlings treated in (0%) concentration of lead acetate after 20 days of treatment, and maximum minimum amount of DNA (4. 675 mg/gm) found in plant treated in (0. 6%) concentration of lead acetate after 20 days of treatment. The graph shows that the amount of DNA increases as the concentration of lead acetate goes on increasing. The minimum amount of Protein (86 mg/gm) was found in plant treated in (0%) concentration of lead acetate after 20 days of treatment, and maximum amount Protein (93. 5 mg/gm) found in plant treated in (0. 6%) concentration of lead acetate after 20 days of treatment 89. mg and 91. 5mg of protein was estimated in the seedlings treated with 0. 4% and 0. 6% lead acetate. From the graph it can be concluded that the amount of protein increased with the increase in the concentration of lead. The graphical representation was done for calculating the concentration of lead in the treated seedlings. The optical density was read at 430 nm for control, 0. 2%, 0. 4% and 0. 6% lead acetate treated seedlings was 0, 0. 013, 0. 016 and 0. 019 respectively. The graph plotted resulted into a straight line, indicating the increased accumulation of lead in the seedlings. The concentration of lead was calculated using graph. In 1gm of control, 0. 2, 0. 4 and 0. 6 percent lead acetate treated seedling sample had 0 mg, 0. 00078 mg, 0. 00094 mg and 0. 0011 mg of lead respectively. The minimum amount of lead (0 mg/gm) was found in plant treated in (0%) concentration of lead acetate and maximum amount of lead (0. 0011 mg/gm) was found in plant treated in (0. 6%) concentration of lead acetate. This suggests that Brasicca juncea could accumulate comparatively high doses lead. The percentage germination for 1 gm each of control, 0. 2, 0. 4, 0. percent lead acetate treated seedling was 89%, 88%, 86. 66% and 83% respectively. The germination with increase in concentration of lead acetate did not show any inhibitory effect on the germination of seeds but a steady decrease in the percentage of germination was observed. Maximum percentage of germination was found in control seeds. Out of 300 seeds soaked in 0. 2%, 0. 4% and 0. 6% solution of lead acetate showed 264, 260 and 249 seeds germinating respectively. When compared to the control the germination percentage of the treated seeds did not differ much. This indicated the capability of Brasicca juncea in tolerating the presence of heavy metals like lead. The shoot length for 1 gm each of control, 0. 2, 0. 4 and 0. 6 percent lead acetate treated seedling was 8 cm, 8. 5 cm, 8. 3cm, and 10 cm respectively; also the root length for 1 gm each of control, 0. 2, 0. 4 and 0. 6 percent lead acetate treated seedling was 0. 5 cm, 0. 8 cm, 1. 0 cm and 2. 0 cm respectively. The length of shoot was found maximum in plant treated in 0. 6% concentration of lead acetate (10 cm), as compared to the length of shoot in plant treated with 0% concentration of lead acetate (8 cm). Length of roots was found maximum in 0. 6% concentration of lead acetate (2 cm), as compared to the length of shoot in plant treated with 0% concentration of lead acetate (0. 5 cm). This indicates that Brasicca juncea was able to utilize the increased amount of lead to its advantage, suggesting the use of Brasicca juncea as a natural alternative for phytoremediation. Conclusion The present study indicates that plant species like Brasicca juncea can tolerate wide range of heavy metals concentration, it utilizes the heavy concentration for its all round growth . It can be used in removal of lead; and hence its use in phytoremediation in future. Phytoremediation is a fast developing field, since last ten years lot of field application were initiated all over the world, it includes Phytoremediation of Organic, Inorganic and Radio nuclides. This sustainable and inexpensive process is fast emerging as a viable alternative to conventional remediation methods and will be most suitable for a developing country like India. Most of the studies have been done in developed countries and knowledge of suitable plants is particularly limited in India. In India commercial application of Phytoremediation of Soil heavy metal or Organic compounds is in its earliest phase. Fast growing plants with high biomass and good metal uptake ability are needed. In most of the contaminated sites hardy, tolerant, weed species exist and phytoremediation through these and other non-edible species can restrict the contaminant from being introduced into the food web. Further studies need to be performed in order to establish the maximum amount of lead that the plants may tolerate, and the ability of Brasicca juncea to germinate and grow in media containing mixtures of heavy metals.

International Marketing models Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

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The Binding and Control of the Female Form within the Masculine Gaze Essay

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Window Server 2012 Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Window Server 2012 - Research Proposal Example Accordingly, in order to improve the effectiveness of the communication procedure and secure the integrity of the brand image along with the operational data, the company wants to implement the concept of Windows Server 2012 within all aspects of their data protection and communication setup. Thus, this proposal will mostly remain focused towards understanding the aspect regarding how Windows Server 2012 can be implemented within the areas of active directory, group policy setup, domain naming system (DNS), file services, remote services and windows server update services (WSUS) in order to reinforce the functionality of Shiv LLC. The concept of domain model demarcates the availability of usable networking resources that remain stored within multiple server machines in a network setup. The users just have to log in within the domain system through a specific id and password after which they can attain access to the stored data and other resources in an appropriate manner. Moreover, different domain models have been created by Microsoft that finds applicability to a platform depending on the version of server operating system installed within it. Since in the case of Shiv LLC the considered version of server operating system is Windows Server 2012, thus two specific categories of domain models can be found applicable in this context. The first model is the’ Single Domain Model’ and the second one is the ‘Regional Domain Model’. The diagrammatic representation provided below will help in gaining a lucid comprehension about the concepts of these two models in an appropriate manner.

How Babies Learn Language Compared to How Adults Learn a Second Essay

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Fast Food and Obsesity Essay Example for Free

Fast Food and Obsesity Essay Nowadays, fast food has become a way of life. Both children and adults like to eat fast food. However, fast food is unhealthy. It causes many diseases, like obesity. Obesity is increasing among both children and adult. This essay will describe the relation between fast food and obesity. And it will also focus on research that contributes to the understanding of link between obesity and disease risk during childhood and adolescence. This essay will be divided into three parts. Firstly, I will discuss the origin of fast food and the reasons why people like eating fast food. What is more, the essay will look at the definition of obesity and why obesity has taken place. Finally, it is also important to note that there are many solutions from kinds of aspects to preventing obesity. Fast food originated in America and people like fast food due to several reasons. Fast food is the term given to food that can be prepared and served very quickly. While any meal with low preparation time can be considered to be fast food, also it can be take-away. The term fast food was recognized in a dictionary by Merriam–Webster in 1951. So fast food has a long history. And there are many types of fast food restaurants. For instance, KFC, McDonald’s and so on. Then, there are many reasons why people enjoy eating fast food. Firstly, with its convenient being a leading factor. Sometimes we just need to take something to eat because of busy schedules. I think this is becoming a main reason why people eat fast food regularly. Secondly, fast food is so cheap compared with other restaurants indeed. It is the best choice for those not looking to spend much money. Furthermore, fast food tastes so delicious because usually packed with fats and sugar. So this is why fast food is unhealthy. In addition to, People can get it easily due to fast food restaurants at everywhere. Finally, many people can’t cook. Actually, fast food has many advantages, but there are many disadvantages for our health. Fast food is widely accepted because it is convenient, inexpensive and easy, but quick and simple do not always worth nutritious and healthy. It is referred to as a junk food for a reason; it offers few of the nutrients needed for healthy. Fast food does not just define take-away food, many kinds of microwave meals and some snacks are a part of fast food. Then all of this can increase the rate of obesity. Obesity has taken place due to several reasons and fast food is a major factor. â€Å"The medical term for obesity is extreme overweight conditions. † (Wikipedia) The condition of obesity is very easy to diagnose as the bulge of fat can be seen clearly on the body. And there are many factors to lead obesity. Causes of obesity are multifactor and oversimplified; reasons for increasing trend in obesity are complex and varied. It divided into three parts. Firstly, â€Å"behavioural causes of obesity are linked to an increased consumption of high calorie foods and a decrease in physical activity. Like fast food, it contains many sweet and fatty; and these are the biggest crime when it comes to dangerous calories. Secondly, they are physiological and genetic factors. â€Å"Physiological controls include appetite, hunger, satiation and satiety, each of which has a different regulatory mechanism. These controls involve highly complex interactions between neural and hormonal regulatory systems, which are often influenced by social and environmental factors. † It leads to obesity as physiological factor. Finally, it is the age changing. Most adults gradually increase their weight from early 20s up to their 50s. † Their ability of food intake is decrease with aging. Then obesity will be taken place. Obesity rates are increasing worldwide, among both children and adults. One important contributor to this epidemic is the increasing worldwide consumption of fast food. In particular, the rate of children is obvious. Over the past 20 years the percentages of overweight children aged 6-11 years increased from 5% to 16% in United States. It is risk for children. The government should pay attention to it. Because obesity has been linked to a myriad of other health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer, and has become an enormous strain on the health care system. Then, this must be make a sensation and should take action. Face this situation that the rate of obesity has increase. We should make some measures to prevent obesity. There are many solutions to preventing obesity. First of all, we need to eat more healthy organic food, not fast food and â€Å"promote sustainable food and farming practices†. Organic food is good for our health. The second place; we should to provide some education. It includes physical, cooking, nutrition and gardening lessons. Next, we should do exercise every day. For instance, running, swimming and take a walk. It makes us keeping fit. What is more, parents should teach their child not eat too much meat or sugar at childhood instead of some fruit or vegetables. And for adults, they should cook at home as soon as possible. In addition to, the advertisement is a key point. The government should forbid too much advertisement about fast food or junk food on TV, instead of some health advertisements. Overall, the essay has proven that here is some relation between fast food and obesity. Fast food has a long history and it has advantages. But the disadvantages are also evident. What is more, there are all kinds of factors that lead to obesity. However, one of the main factors that contribute to obesity is fast food. Fast food is a killer. Studies suggest that fast food significantly increases the risk of obesity. The fast food is unhealthy for our bodies. Furthermore, we should take some solutions to prevent obesity. If you really want to eat, you should do excise for keeping fit. I strongly believe that we should not eat too much fast food if we want to keep healthy.