Effects of lead and NaCl salinity on growth and mineral nutrient contents in aquatic macrophyte Bacopa monnieri L.

In the present study, some physiological changes were investigated in Bacopa monnieri L. which is treated with different concentrations of Pb (0, 0.1, 0.5 ve 1 mM), NaCl (0 ve 25 mM) and their combinations (0, 0.1+25, 0.5+25 ve 1+25). Growth and development of B. monnieri were adversely affected by the applications which was determined by decrease in the amount of fresh and dry weight. According to our findings, Na content of the macrophyte was increased at 25 mM NaCl as 358.15%. Na contents at 0.1 mM Pb + 25 mM NaCl; 0.5 mM Pb + 25 mM NaCl; 1 mM Pb + 25 mM NaCl were olsa rised as 125.27%, 116.66 % and 102.95%, respectively, with respect to control. Lead contents at 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mM Pb were increased with rising Pb concentrations. Low Pb contents were found at Pb+NaCl with respect to single Pb treatments. Macro and micro nutrient contents of the macrophytes were adversely affected by treatments. Chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b and carotenoid contents of macrophytes decreased by applications. Similarly, protein contents were decreased as well. Contrary to these, increaes in proline and MDA amounts were found in the effects of Pb, NaCl ve Pb+NaCl.