Combine-Phytotoxic Effects of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. var sacharata Bailey), Cowpea (Vigna sinensis) and Squash (Cucurbita moschata)

Abstract

The combine toxicity of fluorene and fluoranthene with phenanthrene or anthracene (1:1 ratio) to seedling growth of sweet corn (Zea mays L. var sacharata Bailey), cowpea (Vigna sinensis), and squash (Cucurbita moschata) were studied. The result shown that the most sensitive plant to PAH-combine toxicity was sweet corn, the moderate was cow pea, and the most tolerant species was squash. Root length and fresh weight of seedling was sensitive to PAH-combine toxicity. The combination of fluorene, fluoranthene and anthracene was toxic to plants more than the combination of fluorene, fluoranthene and phenanthrene.