Paper Contents
Abstract
AbstractHeavy metal contamination in soil and water has emerged as a significant environmental concern, adversely affecting plant growth, development, and productivity. Plants exposed to heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr) experience physiological and biochemical disruptions, leading to oxidative stress, chlorosis, stunted growth, and reduced photosynthetic efficiency. This research examines the impact of heavy metal accumulation on plant physiology by analyzing toxicity mechanisms, defense responses, and potential remediation strategies.Heavy metal toxicity primarily disrupts plant metabolism by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and DNA damage. Excessive metal accumulation interferes with essential nutrient uptake, disrupts enzymatic activity, and alters hormonal balance, ultimately impairing plant functions. To counteract these effects, plants have evolved defense mechanisms, including metal chelation by phytochelatins and metallothioneins, activation of the antioxidant defense system, and compartmentalization of metals into vacuoles to minimize toxicity.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Prof. Dheerendra Vadiraj. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
