Effects of Bisphenol A and Tetrabromobisphenol A on Bread and Durum Wheat Varieties

Abstract

In the present study the effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) on seed germination of a bread wheat variety, Sagittario, and a durum wheat variety, Zenith, were investigated. In addition, some of the biochemical changes in seedling roots and shoots were also measured. Seed germination changed insignificantly in 10 mg/L BPA and TBBPA applications; however, seed germination was significantly inhibited by 50 mg/L of BPA and TBBPA concentration in both varieties with the exception of 50 mg/L BPA in Zenith. Similarly, root and shoot development was adversely affected by high concentrations of BPA and TBBPA. The toxic effects of BPA and TBBPA on the roots were histochemically determined. Wheat varieties have the capacity to tolerate oxidative stress at 10 mg/L concentrations. The concentration-dependant decreases in the protein contents of the roots and shoots of the wheat varieties was also determined. An enhancement in the H2O2 level and lipid peroxidation in the roots and shoots was