Excess lead alters growth, metabolism and translocation of certain nutrients in radish

To elucidate the deleterious effects of excess lead on radish (Raphanus sativus) cv. Jaunpuri plants were grown in refined sand in complete nutrient solution for 30 days. On the 31st day lead nitrate was superimposed at 0.1 and 0.5 mM to radish for 65 days. A set of plants in complete nutrient solution was maintained as control for the same period without lead. Excess Pb at 0.5 mM showed growth depression with interveinal chlorosis on young leaves at apex. Excess Pb reduced the fresh and dry weight pronouncedly at d 65. Lead accumulation reduced the concentration of chlorophyll, iron, sulphur (in tops), Hill reaction activity and catalase activity whereas increased the concentration of phosphorus, sulphur (in roots) and activity of peroxidase, acid phosphatase and ribonuclease in leaves of radish.