The effect of heavy metal stress on two species of Alternanthera

This effect of heavy metal stress on Alternanthera sessilis and Alternanthera tenella which are common weed plants, was analyzed using heavy metal treated soil. Morphological characters, bioorganic factors, non enzymic antioxidants, enzymic antioxidants and protein profile were analysed in heavy metal stressed plants. Morphological studies revealed the phytotoxicity symptoms and reduced growth. Other factors fluctuated with heavy metal stress. Analysis of bioaccumulation efficiency and translocation factors indicated significant tolerance and effective defense mechanism of these plants to heavy metals. So these plants could proposed to be exploited for phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated soil that in turn lead to their effective utilization. The study warrants further detailed investigation to understand the mechanism of heavy metal tolerance, accumulation and defense mechanism of selected weeds at ultra structural and molecular levels .