Print PageAntimony is ubiquitously present in the environment as result of both natural processes and human activities. This heavy metal has toxic effects on plants, animals and humans. Our previous work has shown toxic levels of antimony in the alternation zone and water in the Arghash and Chelpo areas of Northeastern Iran. Agriculture in these areas consists of growing watermelon. The aim of the current study is to simulate the conditions observed in nature and to determine the effect of antimony on watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb) growth and development. Our experimental design was factorial with 3 replicates for each condition. Plant seedlings were grown hydroponically in a nutrient solution containing an Sb-EDTA form (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 mg/L). After 4 weeks, the plants were harvested and antimony accumulation was measured in both the roots and shoots of the plants. In addition the growth parameters, chlorophyll content, P, K, Na and Ca concentration, and proline content, were analyzed from each plant.
Results/Conclusions
Our findings revealed a significant decrease in the fresh and dry weight of the shoots and roots, and the length of the shoots and roots displayed an increased concentration of antimony. Antimony also significantly lowered the chlorophyll content, mineral nutrients, and proline content in the shoots and roots. In conclusion, antimony is a heavy metal which is having a significantly negative impact on the agriculture in the contaminated areas and it is important to design strategies to remove it safely from the environment.
