Center for Environment and Energy Research and Studies (CEERS)
Abstract
The focus of the review is on the specific aspects of nickel's effects
on growth, morphology, photosynthesis, mineral nutrition and enzyme
activity of plants. The mobility of nickel in the environment and the
consequent contamination in soil and water is of great concern. Also,
the detrimental effects of excessive nickel on plant growth have been
well known for many years. Toxic effects of nickel on plants include
alterations in the germination process as well as in the growth of
roots, stems and leaves. Total dry matter production and yield was
significantly affected by nickel and also causes deleterious effects on
plant physiological processes, such as photosynthesis, water relations
and mineral nutrition. Nickel strongly influences metabolic reactions
in plants and has the ability to generate reactive oxygen species which
may cause oxidative stress. More recent evidence indicates that nickel
is required in small amounts for normal plant growth and development.
Hence, with the increasing level of nickel pollution in the
environment, it is essential to understand the functional roles and
toxic effects of nickel in plants