Soft plant root structure-media flow interactions: Exploring the adverse effect of lead contamination in North-Eastern Indian rice

We experimentally investigate the effect of lead (Pb2+) contamination on the roots of an Assamese rice line variety Lachit using a heavy metal analyzing fluidic tool. To demonstrate the adverse effects of lead contamination on rice seedlings in a controlled environment, we have performed a number of multidisciplinary experiments. Also, we develop a numerical model in this endeavor to predict the Michaelis–Menten kinetics parameters, which are used to depict the lead transport phenomenon following soft root structure-media flow interactions. We show that increased inlet lead concentration of the media solution leads to a reduction in root growth exponentially in the developed fluidic device. As supported by the Raman spectra analysis, the drastic metabolic changes are visible under lead contamination. Our results revel that, in comparison to the control condition, lead accumulation results in a decrease in the uptake of nitrogen and also, the metallic nutritional components (K+, Na+, and Ca2+). Under lead contamination, the average osmotic pressure difference at the root surface is seen to be less than in the control situation. The inferences drawn from the current research shed light on the detrimental effects of lead contamination on rice roots, which have the potential to significantly lower agricultural yields and threaten food security in areas where rice is the primary food source.