Changes in same physiological and biochemical characters in Albizia lebbek as bio-indicators of heavy metal toxicity.

An investigation was conducted to study the differential action of heavy metals such as Ni (II), Cr (VI) and Hg on biochemical and chemical parameters of Albizia lebbek. Significant reduction (P < 0.001) in chlorophyll, protein, carbohydrate and sugar in leaves was observed which was positively and significantly correlated with leaf area, root-shoot length and biomass of plant. Polyphenol, proline, ascorbic acid and nitrate reductase activity of leaves were significantly (P < 0.001) increased over control and negatively correlated with, root-shoot length, leaf area and biomass of plant, showing stress on plants. This concentration dependent change was observed in most of the, parameters. Hence,. the physiological and biochemical traits may serve to determine suitable bio-indicators of heavy metal pollution and to select protection species.