Full Length Research Paper

Assessment of phyto-toxicity potential of lead on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L) planted on contaminated soils

B. O. Opeolu, O. O. Adenuga, P. A. Ndakidemi* and O. O. Olujimi

Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: NdakidemiP@cput.ac.za.

Accepted 12 November, 2009.

   Abstract

Phytotoxic effects of Pb as Pb(NO₃)₂ on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) planted on contaminated soil was assessed in terms of growth, yield and Vitamin C content at various concentrations (300, 600 and 1800 ppm). The residual Pb was also determined in the soil used for plant cultivation and in the experimental plant tissues. Results showed that plant performance significantly reduced with increasing concentrations of Pb contamination. Residual Pb was detected in the tomato roots and shoots, but non in the fruits. Results also showed that Vitamin C content of the tomato was not affected by various concentrations of the Pb contaminants. Pb contamination has adverse effects on tomato production but not on Vitamin C content.

Key word: Lead pollution, Lycopersicon esculentum, phytotoxicity.