TOXIC EFFECTS OF HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF Cyperus iria (Rice Flatsedge) – A WEED PLANT

Chromium is a toxic heavy metal reported to show toxicity towards humans, animals and plants and other forms of life present on earth. The current study, was aimed at finding out harmful impacts of chromium on physiological as well as biochemical parameters of Cyperus iria. Pot culture experiments were carried out to determine the toxic effects of hexavalent chromium on physiological (fresh and dry weight) and biochemical parameters (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, catalase and guaiacol peroxidase activity) of Cyperus iria. The different concentrations of chromium taken for treatment were 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 and 350 mg/Kg of chromium including control for comparison purpose. Different growth parameters were recorded at 40 and 80 DAS (days after sowing). The results demonstrates that with increase in concentration of chromium, there was a gradual decrease in the level of physiological and photosynthetic parameters and increase in catalase and guaiacol peroxidase activity at 40 and 80 days DAS (days after sowing).