Efeito do Crómio (Cr) no crescimento de Milho (Zea mays), e o seu risco ecológico

Abstract

Global population growth has led to an intensification of industrial production, with an emphasis on consumables whose chemical composition includes heavy metals, in order to meet demand for them. However, improper waste disposal allows toxic substances to enter the soil, which negatively affects plant growth patterns, and consequently animals and humans. High concentrations of metals interfere with the physiological and biochemical processes of plants, which can slow down the production cycle, reduce biomass, prevent the absorption and transfer of nutrients, or even cause plant death. In humans, the accumulation of heavy metals from food plants, naturally transferred through the food chain, can cause serious health problems such as neurological toxicity and cancerous diseases. Furthermore, the contamination of agriculturally important soils by heavy metals can have negative consequences for the economy of the affected communities. Corn (Zea mays) is an agricultural plant with the potential to remediate heavy metals such as chromium. The results showed that chromium is below the reference limits according to South African legislation, and that the increase in chromium concentration in the soil resulted in a significant decrease in corn biomass, i.e., plants subjected to higher chromium concentrations showed low growth.(TRADUCCAO NOSSA)