Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Open Access Master's Report
Degree Name
Master of Science in Biological Sciences (MS)
Administrative Home Department
Department of Biological Sciences
Advisor 1
Rupali Datta
Committee Member 1
Mark Tang
Committee Member 2
Tarun K. Dam
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of PFAS contamination and aluminum water treatment residuals (AI-WTR) on the growth and physiological responses of Phaseolus vulgaris. A factorial greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess plant growth, chlorophyll content, catalase activity, and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) under contaminated and uncontaminated soil conditions with and without AI-WTR amendment. Results showed that AI-WTR significantly reduced plant biomass across both soil conditions, while PFAS contamination alone had minimal impact on growth. Chlorophyll content was higher in contaminated soils, with no significant effect of AI-WTR. Catalase activity showed no significant variation across treatments. TBARS analysis revealed increased oxidative stress in leaves under contamination, which was reduced by AI-WTR, whereas root TBARS increased following AI-WTR application. These findings indicate that AI-WTR influences plant responses in a tissue-specific manner, reducing oxidative stress in leaves while negatively affecting growth and increasing root oxidative stress.
Recommended Citation
Chikanda, Tadiwanashe, "GROWTH AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF PHASEOLUS VULGARIS TO PFAS-CONTAMINATED SOILS AND ALUMINUM WATER TREATMENT RESIDUALS.", Open Access Master's Report, Michigan Technological University, 2026.
Included in
Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology Commons, Biotechnology Commons, Environmental Health Commons, Plant Biology Commons