Effects of Tetrabromobisphenol A Stress on Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Soybean Seedling.

The objective of this study was to investigate effects of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) on soybean seedlings. Growth and physiological parameters of soybean seedlings were measured by exposing seedlings to different concentrations of TBBPA (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 100 mg kg-1 dry weight soil) in a greenhouse. Results showed 5 to 100 mg kg-1 TBBPA treatment reduced the shoot height, stem diameter, dry weight, and fresh weight, while 5 to 100 mg kg-1 TBBPA treatment reduced the chlorophyll content and induced production of malondialdehyde (MDA) in soybean leaves after 7 and 14 days of exposure. TBBPA treatment at low concentrations enhanced soluble sugar and soluble protein content, and it activated superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC:1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT; EC:1.11.1.6), and peroxidase (POD; EC:1.11.1.7); however, high concentrations of TBBPA inhibited activities of antioxidant enzymes and generation of soluble sugar and soluble protein.