Sodium dodecyl sulphate induced physiological and biochemical changes on the development of barley seedlings

Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) is the most important component of detergent and cleaning products. When considered usage frequency of cleaning matters and the excretion shape of domestic and industrial wastes, it is impossible that sodium dodecyl sulphate does not contaminate to rivers, ground waters and finally to agricultural areas. In this study, it was investigated SDS-induced physiological and biochemical changes on barley (Hordeum vulgare L) plant metabolism. For this purpose, barley seedlings were cultivated for 9 days at optimal conditions in hydroponical systems and then SDS at five different concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 mM) determined by preliminary studies was added to their growing media. After 72 hours from SDS application, barley seedlings were harvested for determination of changes at physiological and biochemical parameters. It was determinated that root- shoot lenghts were seriously reduced in SDS applications compared to control seedlings. Also, SDS decreased soluble protein amounts and chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll content, and carotenoid levels of barley leaves. By the way, it was clearly observed the negative effects of SDS on protein synthesis in protein profiles determined by electrophoretic method. On the other hand, SDS applications decreased the activities of antioxidant enztymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase, and increase the peroxidase activities. Besides, formation of reactive oxygen species including superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide was induced by SDS. As a natural consequence of these, SDS applications severely increased the levels of lipid peroxidation, indicator of cell memmbrane damage. In conclucion, our research findings clearly revealed that SDS has negative effects on growth, some biochemical synthesis and antioxidant defence mechanisms at barley. Therefore we also think that taking precaution for avoid contamination of agricultural areas by this compound is essantial in terms of healthy plant growth and protection of ecological balance.