Effect of heavy metals on biochemical parameters in Vigna radiata (Green gram)

To study the effect of heavy metals (Cd,Cr and Ni) on biochemical parameters in Vigna radiata (Green gram). Vigna radiata is an important legume species belongs to the family Fabaceae, commonly known as Green gram. Mung bean or green gram is an important cultivated pulses crop which has long been a food crop in Asia. Green gram is a protein rich staple food. It contains about 25 percent protein, which is almost three times that of cereals. It is also known as a useful green manure crop. The present research study was conducted to know the toxicity nature of heavy metals in Vigna radiata leaf and its remediation. Pot culture experiments were conducted with three treatments till productivity levels at Greenhouse of Botanical Garden, Department of Botany, Osmania University, Hyderabad. The three treatments consist of Treatment I control without any addition of heavy metals to the soil, Treatment II - heavy metals spiked into the soil and Treatment. III, 1 % of calcium hydroxide added along with heavy metals to the soil. The results showed when compared to treatment I and III the high concentrations of heavy metals (Ni, Cd and Cr) are found in leaf of Vigna radiata in (Treatment II). In addition, the plants grown in treatment III with 1% Calcium hydroxide treated soil, reversed the growth suppression and inhibited the heavy metal toxicity in plants as evidenced by reduced heavy metal concentration in leaf. The study concludes that food crop Vigna radiata affected with heavy metals can be treated by using calcium hydroxide.