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<p>Lead contamination in agricultural soils has emerged as a&#xa0;significant threat to global agricultural sustainability and food safety. This study evaluated the growth and physiological responses of acid lime seedlings subjected to varying concentrations of lead nitrate (Pb(NO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>) under controlled conditions. Acid lime seedlings were treated with six lead levels (0,&#xa0;200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 µM), and changes in morphology, physiology, and biochemical traits were assessed. Increasing lead concentrations led to significant reductions in plant height, leaf number, and root development. Photosynthetic pigments, particularly chlorophyll&#xa0;a and total chlorophyll, have declined sharply with higher lead exposure, while chlorophyll&#xa0;b and carotenoids increased, suggesting a&#xa0;stress-induced compensatory mechanism. Elevated levels of superoxide dismutase, proline, phenolics, flavonoids, and malondialdehyde were recorded, reflecting heightened oxidative stress in Pb(NO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>-treated seedlings of acid lime. In addition, leaf relative water content decreased, while electrolyte leakage rose, indicating membrane damage in Pb(NO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>-treated acid lime seedlings. The most severe effects were observed at 800–1000 µM Pb(NO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>, with pronounced stunting, metabolic disruption, and visual toxicity symptoms. These results highlight the sensitivity of acid lime to lead toxicity and suggest that lead contamination in soil can critically impair the growth and physiology of citrus. This study provides valuable insights into how lead stress influences the performance of citrus and emphasizes the importance of minimizing heavy metal exposure in horticultural systems to ensure safe and sustainable fruit production.</p>

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Impact of Lead Exposure on Plant Morphology and Metabolism: An Assessment of Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia [Christm.] Swingle) Seedlings

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月22日

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  • Madhurima Das Sarkar,
  • Prahlad Deb,
  • Pradipto Kumar Mukherjee,
  • Payel Das

摘要

Lead contamination in agricultural soils has emerged as a significant threat to global agricultural sustainability and food safety. This study evaluated the growth and physiological responses of acid lime seedlings subjected to varying concentrations of lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) under controlled conditions. Acid lime seedlings were treated with six lead levels (0, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 µM), and changes in morphology, physiology, and biochemical traits were assessed. Increasing lead concentrations led to significant reductions in plant height, leaf number, and root development. Photosynthetic pigments, particularly chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll, have declined sharply with higher lead exposure, while chlorophyll b and carotenoids increased, suggesting a stress-induced compensatory mechanism. Elevated levels of superoxide dismutase, proline, phenolics, flavonoids, and malondialdehyde were recorded, reflecting heightened oxidative stress in Pb(NO3)2-treated seedlings of acid lime. In addition, leaf relative water content decreased, while electrolyte leakage rose, indicating membrane damage in Pb(NO3)2-treated acid lime seedlings. The most severe effects were observed at 800–1000 µM Pb(NO3)2, with pronounced stunting, metabolic disruption, and visual toxicity symptoms. These results highlight the sensitivity of acid lime to lead toxicity and suggest that lead contamination in soil can critically impair the growth and physiology of citrus. This study provides valuable insights into how lead stress influences the performance of citrus and emphasizes the importance of minimizing heavy metal exposure in horticultural systems to ensure safe and sustainable fruit production.