Bioaccumulation of Mercury and Its Consequences on Biochemical Parameters in Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Plants

Abstract

Mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal that poses severe environmental and ecological issues due to its ability to bioaccumulate in various ecosystems. It persists in the environment and is known to have serious effects on both plants and animals. This study investigates the bioaccumulation of Mercury and its consequences on biochemical parameters in Coriander (Coriandrum Sativum) plants. The experimental design involved four groups, with Group 1 serving as the control, received no mercury treatment, while Groups 2, 3, and 4 were subjected to mercury concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 mg respectively. These varying concentrations of mercury allowed for a detailed examination of the dose dependent effects of mercury exposure on plant growth and metabolic functions. The results demonstrated that mercury treatment caused a marked decline in crucial growth parameters, including germination percentage, root length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight and vigor index, all of which were significantly lower in the treated groups compared to the control plants, indicating that contamination of mercury hindered the overall growth and development of the plants. Biochemical analysis revealed that mercury exposure disrupted various metabolic processes, leading to oxidative stress and an imbalance in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Increased mercury concentrations were associated with a significant reduction in carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis, reflecting impairments in energy metabolism and overall physiological functions. The reduction in protein content was linked to enzyme inhibition, compromising protein synthesis pathways essential for cellular functions and stress tolerance. These findings highlight the phytotoxic effects of mercury and its detrimental effects on plant physiology, ultimately limiting growth potential and photosynthetic efficiency. This research contributes valuable insights into the ecotoxicological impacts of mercury contamination in plants and underscores the potential of plant-based phytoremediation strategies for mitigating heavy metal pollution in contaminated soils.