Applying the Ten Principles of Ecotoxicology to Assess Alkaline Stress Responses in Vigna radiata Micro-Ecosystems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12974/2311-8741.2025.13.11Keywords:
Vigna radiata, Alkalinity, Dose-Response, Phytotoxicity, Risk AssessmentAbstract
This study evaluates the phytotoxic impact of varying alkalinity levels on the germination and early development of mung beans (Vigna radiata) through the lens of the 10 Principles of Ecotoxicology. Utilizing a laboratory-controlled micro-ecosystem, seedlings were exposed to a pH gradient ranging from 6.80 (control) to 12.0 over a five-day duration. Results demonstrate a clear dose-response relationship, where optimal growth and morphological integrity were maintained at pH 6.80 and 8.00. However, significant growth inhibition and reduced leaf emergence were observed at pH 10.0 and 11.0, culminating in near-total developmental cessation at pH 12.0. The observed toxicity highlights critical concepts of bioavailability and toxicodynamics, as the high concentration of hydroxide (OH-) ions likely disrupted the "acid growth" mechanism and nutrient uptake pathways. This research identifies a critical alkalinity threshold (pH > 10.0) that poses a severe hazard to primary productivity. As an ecologically relevant indicator species, the failure of V. radiata under extreme alkaline stress suggests significant risks to terrestrial nitrogen-fixing communities and soil stability. These findings provide a biological basis for environmental risk assessment and the establishment of safe discharge limits for industrial alkaline effluents to protect agricultural ecosystems.
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