Effects of Lead Doses on the Mineral Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum L.)

Abstract

Heavy metals are a very important abiotic stress factors that can induce different response mechanisms in plants. These response mechanisms include modifying membrane compositions, generating small molecules and free radicals, and altering antioxidant enzyme activities. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of lead (Pb), an important heavy metal, on some growth parameters, enzymes, and the content of macro- and micro-nutrients. This study was launched to determine the effects of lead (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 mg L-1) on fenugreek's (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) growth parameters and biochemical responses in a fully controlled aeroponic climate chamber. Growth, biochemical enzyme activities and the content of macro- and micro-nutrients of fenugreek plans changed under heavy metal stress. In the study, a decrease occurred in parameters such as the plant height (cm), root length (cm), root and stem fresh weight (g), leaf weight (g) and leaf number (number). There were increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzymes. There was a decrease in the content of minerals (Ca, K, Mg, Na, Cu, Ni, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cr, Ni, Se and Cd) in leaves, stem and root parts of fenugreek plants. In this study, lead tolerance conditions, the plant content of macro- and micro-nutrients and enzyme activity values of this plant were determined.