Effect of Soil Pollution with Different Cadmium and Lead Concentrations on Carbohydrates, Proteins and some Nutrient Metals in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Plants

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different cadmium and lead concentrations on the carbohydrates, proteins and the nutrient metals concentration in the leaves, stem and root tissues of sunflower Helianthus annuus L. plants under wire house conditions. Results showed that soil treated with cadmium (3, 6, 9 mg / kg) and lead (400, 600, 800 mg / kg) resulted in a significant decrease in carbohydrate and protein concentrations in all plant tissues studied with exception of the non significant decrease in the protein concentration in the stem that treated with Cd (3 mg/kg) as compared with the control. A significant decrease in calcium, magnesium and potassium in different plant tissues accompanied with non significant decrease in magnesium concentration in the leaf and stem with Cd (3 mg /kg) treated soil were observed in comparison with the same element concentration in the leaf and stem of the control plants.