Lipid Peroxidation as a Biomarker for Heavy Metal Stress in Plants

Heavy metal contamination in soil poses a significant threat to plant health, agriculture, and ecological stability. This study investigates the potential of lipid peroxidation, specifically malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, as a biomarker for oxidative stress in plants exposed to heavy metals. Plants were subjected to varying concentrations of Copper Sulfate, and physiological parameters such as root length were recorded to assess growth inhibition. To quantify lipid peroxidation, a thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay was performed, with a standard curve generated using 1,1,3,3-tetramethoxypropane (TMP) as an MDA equivalent. Results revealed a dose-dependent increase in MDA levels correlating with reduced root growth, indicating enhanced oxidative damage under metal stress. These findings support the use of lipid peroxidation as a reliable indicator of heavy metal toxicity and lay the groundwork for its application in phytoremediation studies and environmental monitoring.