Morphological Response of Phaseolus vulgaris in presence of Mercury in Laboratory Conditions

Heavy metals are major environmental pollutant when they are present in high concentration in soil. They have toxic effects on growth, nodulation and nitrogen fixation of legumes and development of plants. Mercury stress triggers disturbances in cellular structure and metabolism which is poorly understood. Therefore, responses on seedling growth and other physical and chemical parameters of Phaseolus vulgaris to different concentrations (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1 mM) and control of mercury (Hg) salt solutions were studied. Morphological parameters like root and shoot length, dry weight, total leaf area and biochemical constituents of plants were recorded. The successive growth deformities in seedlings were recorded at lower concentration, but marginal and higher level of Hg salt solution showed significant suppression. Most morphological and biochemical characteristics showed concentration-dependent alterations, which may help to identify appropriate bio-indicators of heavy metal contamination.