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The discharge of heavy metals in the environment due to anthropogenic, industrial and automobile activities is a worldwide environmental pollution problem. Copper is widely used in different forms in fertilizer, fungicides. Industrial effluents and for the removal algal growth in ponds. In this study the toxic effects of copper (Cu) on seed germination and seedling growth of Lens culinaris were investigated. Germination rate of L. culinaris that showed that increased in concentration of copper treatment at 25 ppm significantly (p<0.05) reduced germination percentage as compared to control. Seedling growth variables i.e. root and shoot length, seedling size and root/shoot ratio also declined significantly (p<0.05) with the treatment of copper at 25 ppm as compared to control. Seedlings dry weight of L. culinaris gradually reduced with increased in all treatment of copper concentration as compared to control. Tolerance indices and seedling vigor index of L. culinaris also decreased with increase in concentration of copper treatment. Low percentage of reduction in tolerance indices and seedling vigor index of L. culinaris was recorded at 25 ppm copper treatment as compared to control. A high percentage of reduction in seedling tolerance indices of L. culinaris was recorded at 100 ppm of copper treatment as compared to control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution by crude oil is an important environmental issue all around the world. Increase in oil pollution level in the environment produce toxic effects on flora and fauna of the region. The effects of different levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) of crude oil polluted soil on the growth of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) were studied. The polluted soil affected the root, shoot length, seedling size, number of leaves and leaf area of P. glaucum. The significant (p<0.05) effects of polluted soil on fresh and dry weight of root, stem, leaves, and seedling of P. glaucum were also recorded. Leaf area, leaf number and total seedling dry weight were noticeably reduced in 10 and 15% polluted soil than control soil treatment. Principally, 20% crude oil polluted soil treatment exhibited highest percentage of decrease in most of the seedling growth parameters of P. glaucum than control. Hence, the effects on seedling growth parameters were increased with increasing levels of polluted soil. For most of the growth parameters, the mean values obtained were found higher for the control soil and progressively decreased from 5-20% crude oil polluted soils. The seedlings of P. glaucum were also tested for tolerance to polluted soil treatment. The results showed that the seedlings of P. glaucum showed high percentage of tolerance to low concentration (5%) of polluted soil treatment as compared to control soil treatment (0%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]