In-Situ Monitoring of Chromium Uptake in Different Parts of the Wheat Seedling (Triticum aestivum) using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

The present work is a methodological study to investigate the effect of chromium (VI) stress on wheat seedlings. Point detection capability of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was utilized for the monitoring of in-situ chromium uptake in wheat (Triticum aestivum) seedlings. Chromium accumulation and its effects on other elements in wheat seedling were investigated by comparing the intensities of spectral lines of chromium and other minerals present in the LIBS spectra. In-situ LIBS spectra of the different parts of the wheat seedlings were recorded by directly focusing the laser beam on the surface of root, stem, and leaf of the seedlings grown with and without chromium-containing solutions. The spectra obtained from the different parts (root, stem, and leaf) of the wheat plant were analyzed to determine the distribution pattern/accumulation of chromium. Effect of the chromium uptake on the distribution pattern of other elements like calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) was also investigated. It was observed that chromium concentrations in plant organs decreased in the following order: roots>leaves>stems.