Comparative Analysis of the Effect of Cadmium and Nickel on Chlorophyll Content of Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa frumentacea Link)

Background: Both cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) are recognised environmental toxins that may have devastating effects on plant life, particularly on their photosynthetic pigments. Heavy metal toxicity is one of several abiotic stressors that is especially relevant to investigate because of its impact on crop species growing in close proximity to heavy industrial sites, especially in less developed nations. Methods: The chlorophyll content in barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) was evaluated across five different Cd and Ni concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg of soil) by pot experiment. We measured and compared the influence of Cd and Ni on the chlorophyll content of the leaves of E. frumentacea seedlings at 15, 30 and 45 days of intervals. Result: The results reveal that there was regularly a reduction attributable to Cd and Ni application in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content. Comparatively, the chlorophyll content was higher in Ni stress than Cd stress at all the concentrations ranging from 50 to 250 mg/kg of soil. Based on the results, it was concluded that the chlorophyll content declined progressively with increasing concentrations of Cd and Ni in all day intervals.