Assessment of hazardous effects of lead on growth parameters of soybean (Glycine max (L.) merr.)

This study was designed to assessment the effects of different concentrations of heavy metal lead acetate (0, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 mg/kg) on growth attributes such as root shoot length, root shoot dry weight at pre, peak and post flowering stages of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) There was clear dose-response relationship between lead acetate concentration and the growth attributes of soybean plants. At 200 mg/kg there is no significant reduction but gradually with increased concentrations of lead acetate, there was a significant reduction in root and shoot length, as well as root and shoot dry weight, compared to the control group at all stages. The most pronounced effects were observed at 1000 mg/kg, indicating a dose-dependent toxicity of lead acetate on soybean plants. These findings highlight the importance of mitigating lead emissions and contamination to ensure agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability and public health.