Study of the macroscopic and microscopic changes of the effect of cadmium on Chlorophytum comosum

Cadmium is a heavy metal which has plenty of applications in different industries. Cadmium can penetrate from the sewage or waste of industry into the environmental soil and water causing damage to the environment and living organisms. In the present study different concentrations of cadmium (from 10-200 mg/L) was added into the media of plant Chlorophytum comosum and its effects were assessed. The results showed that treatment with 50 mg/L of cadmium did not have any effect neither on the leaves nor on the internal cellular components. However the roots showed some minor morphological alteration and the same slight changes in the nucleus was observed. In concentrations of 100 to 200 mg/L of cadmium some morphological alterations were seen in the leaves and the roots. In 100 mg/L, length of roots decreased and chlorosis was observed in some leaves. Morphology of nucleus and some mitochondria were also altered and the number of chloroplasts decreased. In 200 mg/L of cadmium, chlorosis was observed in almost all leaves and no roots were produced. Transmission electron microscopy showed a complete destruction of nuclei and internal organelles in the leaves.