Abstract
In this paper, a mathematical model is proposed to study the impact of toxic metals on plant growth dynamics due to transfer of the toxic metal in plant tissues. In the model, it is assumed that the plant uptakes the metal from the soil through the roots and then it is transfered in the plant tissues and cells by transport mechanisms. It is observed experimently that when toxic (heavy) metals combines with the nutrient they form a complex compound due to which nutrient loses its inherent properties and the natural charaterstics of the nutrient are damaged. It is noticed that due to the presence of toxic (heavy) metal in the plant tissues and loss of inherent properties of nutrient due to reaction with the toxic metal, the growth rate of the plant decreases. In order to understand the impact on plant growth dynamics, we have studied two models: One model for a plant growth with no toxic effect and the other model for plant growth with toxic effect. From the analysis of the models the criteria for plant growth with and without toxic effects are derived. The numerical simulation to support the analytical results is done using MathLab.
Recommended Citation
Misra, O. P. and Kalra, Preety
(2014).
Effect of Toxic Metal on Root and Shoot Biomass of a Plant A Mathematical Model,
Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM), Vol. 9,
Iss.
1, Article 11.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/aam/vol9/iss1/11