The industry NALCO situated at Damonjodi, Koraput produces good quality Alumina and discharges the red mud waste into a red mud pond located nearby. The lechate coming out from the red mud pond contaminates the surrounding crop fields. The present study aims at understanding the impact of the lechate of RMP on a crop seed during germination and seedling growth under laboratory controlled conditions in pot culture experiments. The impact of RMW Extract was severe indicating toxic nature of the waste. After application of lechate waste germination of seeds declined significantly. The pigments like chlorophyll, pheophytin and carotenoid content significantly depleted in pot culture. The rate of photosynthesis, rate of respiration and GPP values decreased significantly in RMWE exposed seedlings. The total ATPase activity also decreased effectively indicating the impact of the toxicant on the seed biology activities of RMW Extract exposed seedlings when compared to control seed biology parameters. The roots and shoots of the seedlings accumulated significant amount of alumina in their tissues. The observed effects were only due to alumina absorption and retention along with other soluble chemicals present in the red mud waste extract.
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2022: 6.012
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