Integrated Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metal Contamination in Water Bodies and Their Impact on Plant Photosynthesis.

This study evaluated the physicochemical properties and heavy metal contamination in water samples from six water bodies in the central India region, and their impact on plant photosynthesis. Firstly, water samples were analysed for key physicochemical parameters and metals using ICP-MS. Subsequently, the growth of Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum) was monitored under hydroponic conditions for 21 days as a bioindicator. Thereafter, photosynthetic responses were assessed using a FluorPen photosynthetic analyser. Findings of the study showed a marked spatial variation in metal concentrations, with the highest manganese levels in the Gadheri River (38.66 ppb) and elevated chromium and cadmium levels in Pachmarhi Lake. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters showed treatment and time dependent variations; however, effective quantum yield remained relatively stable across treatments. Changes in Ft, Fv/Fm, ΨI, and NPQ indicated physiological adjustment and photoprotective energy regulation rather than severe photosynthetic impairment. Overall, the findings suggest that photosynthetic responses were influenced by the integrated chemical characteristics of the water rather than by the total concentration of an individual metal in natural water.