2026, Vol. 14, Issue 1, Part A

author(s)
NS Matade and KB Pawar

abstract
The present study evaluated growth response and phytoremediation potential of Spirodela polyrhiza L. after exposing to different concentrations of chromium and lead. Plants were propagated hydroponically and exposed to varying concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 ppm) of chromium and lead for 20 days under natural light and dark conditions. The root and plant length, frond and ramet number, biomass, relative growth rate, metal accumulation, bioconcentration factor, translocation factor, removal efficiency and tolerance index were evaluated. Morphological parameters increased relative to initial values. All growth parameters reached their lowest values at highest concentration (25 ppm) of both chromium and lead. Metal accumulation and removal efficiency increased, whereas tolerance index decreased with increasing concentrations. Overall, S. polyrhiza exhibited more tolerance to chromium than lead. The results suggested that S. polyrhiza may be capable to sustain heavy metal stress and prove to be a good phytoremediation tool for chromium and lead.