Response of non-enzymatic antioxidants to lead-induced stress in chick pea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Pb-induced non-enzymatic antioxidants and physicochemical changes were evaluated in hydroponically grown Cicer arietinum L. seedlings. The seedlings subjected to short term exposure of Pb (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mM) as Pb(NO3)2 at pH 5.5 possess to variable extent of non-enzymatic antioxidants that have the ability to detoxify various reactive oxygen species against oxidative stress. The results showed transient increment of non-enzymatic components of the antioxidative systems viz. ascorbic acid, carotenoids, non-protein thiols and total phenol in the fraction isolated from root cells and the greater changes were observed at 2.0 mM Pb2+ concentrations which reported to be 42.86%, 63.2%, 85.26% and 56.34%, respectively more content over control. The dry weight, chlorophyll content in leaves and protein in roots were recorded significantly lower at higher concentrations of Pb2+. In contrast, lipid peroxidation in roots was found to be higher in seedlings as compared with control. Thus, the present findings indicated that the Pb2+ trigger the antioxidative response in Cicer arietinum and the plant perform a good natural source of antioxidants.