Abstract
Present research was designed to investigate heavy metal (HM) accumulation, distribution, relative tolerance and biochemical
attributes of diverse 30 wheat genotypes on irrigation with textile (T2) and iron-steel industrial wastewater (T3) in pots in
natural environmental conditions. The T3 wastewater was more polluted in terms of HM i.e. Ni, Cr, Mn, Fe, Pb and Zn than
T2 wastewater. Relatively acidic pH and low organic matter of T3 recipient soils facilitated higher HM accumulation in
corresponding wheat genotypes than T2 and control (T1). Significant genotypic variations in metal accumulation were recorded
and pattern of accumulation was i.e. roots>stem>>grain. Tolerant, sensitive and intermediate performing wheat genotypes
from T2 and T3 were identified using multivariate techniques. Tolerant genotypes exhibited efficient biochemical mechanisms
(antioxidant enzymes and proline) to overcome HM stresses as compared to sensitive genotypes. Cultivation of tolerant wheat
genotypes in soils receiving similar HM wastes can minimize their hazardous effects on plant physiology and plant produce.
Enzymatic antioxidants i.e. SOD, POD, CAT and proline were identified as important biomarkers of heavy metals toxicity in
tolerant and sensitive wheat genotypes. Tolerant genotypes can potentially contribute in regional and global food safety
programs on breeding.
