The effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) on Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa pekinensis) germination and development

Seeds of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa pekinensis) were treated with serial concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) for observation of germination and development. Germination rate, growth process and various physiological indicators of the seedlings were analyzed. Inhibition of germinability rate (by 10.0 percentages), germination rate (by 8.3 percentages), and growth (by seedling falling or death) by 85 mg/L PFOS were observed. Chlorophyll content, dissolvable protein content, catalase activity, peroxidase activity and superoxide dismutase activity in the leaves were inhibited by PFOS dose ≥ 51 mg/L (P<0.05). PFOS also resulted in an increasing of free proline content in the leaves of seedlings (P<0.05).