Tropical Plant Research

Leela Kaur*, Kasturi Gadgil and Satyawati Sharma

Abstract:
The objective of the present study was to study the influence of natural organic agent SA (salicylic acid) and synthetic organic agent EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) on metal uptake by Lemna minor L. in Pb and Ni contaminated water. L. minor was treated with Pb and Ni, each at concentration of 10 mg.l^-1. EDTA and SA were added at 2.4 mM concentration. Samples were collected at an interval of 7 days for four weeks i.e. 7, 14, 21 and 28 day. The nickel accumulation capacity of L. minor for combined Pb+Ni treatment was lower than individual Ni treatment accumulation capacity. Salicylic acid significantly enhanced the uptake of Pb and Ni in single Pb and Ni treatments. However, addition of EDTA could not induce Pb and Ni accumulation. Based on results it could be said that removal of metals depends on the type and concentration of chelants and concentration of pollutants in water.