Phytotoxicological Assessment of Perchlorate in corn (Zea mays), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) plants under greenhouse conditions

Abstract

Perchlorate (ClO4-) has emerged as a contaminant of growing concern in soils due to its widespread occurrence and adverse effects on terrestrial ecosystems as an endocrine disruptor. Perchlorate affects metabolism, reproduction, and development of animal and plant species. The primary exposure pathway of ClO4- for humans is through ingestion, inhalation, and contact, causing hypothyroidism and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of perchlorate on plants grown under greenhouse conditions, using corn (Zea mays) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) as evaluated species. The methodology used included three stages: [1] Design and construction of a greenhouse for in vitro growth tests; [2] Determination of the effects of perchlorate on the cultivated plants [3] Statistical analysis. The results obtained indicate species-specific differences in sensitivity to perchlorate exposure, with statistically significant effects observed in Zea mays, while C. citratus and P. vulgaris exhibited comparatively lower susceptibility. These findings highlight the heterogeneous impact of ClO4− exposure on Cymbopogon citratus, Phaseolus vulgaris, and Zea mays plants under greenhouse conditions.