Question

A factory throws its waste in the nearby river in a certain area. A social activist group pointed out that the plants in this area are affected. Many of the plants have yellow leaves, and leaf abscission is frequent. The plants are fading very quickly. Which mineral is present in excess amounts in the factory that is causing these impacts on the plants?

Answer 1

Firstly, why does yellowing of leaf tissue occurs? It occurs because of lack of chlorophyll. These phenomenon is called chlorosis. The reason for chlorosis can be many like poor drainage, damaged roots, compacted roots, high alkalinity, and nutrient deficiencies in the plant.

The condition described here indicates presence of certain minerals like calcium, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, or copper in high amounts in the soil which tie up with iron making it unavailable to plant. Iron is necessary for the formation of chlorophyll (which gives green color) and is also necessary for many enzymes involved in plant metabolism. Chlorosis is mostly associated with lack of iron.