Codium mediated anatomical improvement in Trigonella foenum-graecum shoot under mercury stress

Abstract

The ability of green seaweed Codium iyengrii was analyzed to biosorb toxic metal mercury from Trigonella foenum-graecum. Plants were grown in randomized block design, supplied with varying concentrations of mercury (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25ppm Hg) in the soil separately and at the same time with seaweeds. Toxic effects of mercury and its biosorption by green seaweeds were examined on stress indicators such as phenol and proline contents. The anatomy of shoots was observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was found that stress caused by Hg stimulate synthesis of phenolic substances and proline contents. Micrographs of shoots under mercury stress showed damaged internal structures, thick walled and blocked cell lumen. Application of Codium iyengrii powder in mercury contaminated soil enhanced the normal conditions of plant body by lowering the amount of stress indicators, and controlling thickening and blocking of cell wall in vascular tissues of shoot.