Effect of fungal biosorbed and nonbiosorbed copper and zinc metal solutions on growth and metal uptake of leguminous plants

Abstract

Effect of Zn, Cu and Cu + Zn at 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500ppm concentrations of fungal untreated and treated metal solutions on seed germination and seedling vigor of Cicer areietinum (Chick pea), Macrotyloma uniflorum (Horse gram), Vigna radiata (Green gram) and Vigna unguiculata (Cowpea) were evaluated. Heavy metal solutions were prepared in increasing concentration up to the concentration critical to the soil. Increased metal concentrations reduced the seed germination and growth of test plants. Low metal concentrations of 10, 25, 50 ppm, stimulated the shoot, root and seed germination in test plants. Untreated and treated effluent was not acutely toxic to the seed germination and plant growth. In Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus biosorbed metal ions, reduced metal toxicity with increased seedling vigor was observed. Efficiency of metal biosorption by fungal biomass and metal ions tolerance and accumulation ability in test plants were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).