Bichemical changes and oxidative damage in Azolla pinnata L. under chromium phtotoxicity stress

We studied the effect of both Cr³⁺ and Cr₂O₇²⁻ on lipid peroxidation and different antioxidative enzymes, in fronds of Azolla pinnata L. in order to know the possible involvement of this metal in the induction of oxidative stress leading to biochemical and oxidative aberrations. Chromium treatment for 2, 4 or 6d resulted in decreased biomass of fronds. A significant increase in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX) and glutathione reductase (GR) as well as non-enzymic antioxidants, indicated accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and oxidative stress. The increase in superoxide dismutase activity with decline in catalase activity in A. pinnata indicated a sensitive biomarker in monitoring aquatic contaminants like chromium.