Uptake of chromium in water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and its impact on biochemical structure

The present study was conducted to assess the accumulation of chromium in water hyacinth plant (Eichhornia crassipes) through its growing medium. The water hyacinth plant was collected from pond and treated with different concentration of K2Cr2O7. The effect of chromium accumulation on growth and biochemical parameters of plant was observed. The results revealed that the heavy metal uptake by plant root was increased with increase in concentration of Cr in test solution while the translocation of absorbed Cr was very low to other part of plant in comparison to root. Relative growth rate, biomass productivity, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content were reduced with increased concentration of Cr in test solution. However, ascorbic acid concentration showed negative correlation with other parameters. It was found to be increased with increasing concentration of Cr in test solution. Proline content in plant showed a different trend. It initially increased with increase in Cr concentration in test solution and time and then followed a decreasing order.