The effect of sugar mill effluent on enzyme activities of rice seedlings.

The effect of sugar mill effluent on the activities of peroxidase, amylase, and nitrate reductase of rice (Oryza Sativa L. C.V. Mushoori) seedlings have been investigated. In addition, an attempt was also made to investigate effluent-induced changes in the activities of mitochondrial enzymes, such as succinate dehydrogenase, during germination of rice seedlings. The effects were studied in relation to both concentration of effluent and time of exposure. The activity of all enzymes tested, except succinate dehydrogenase, decreased during effluent treatment. A marked increase in succinate dehydrogenase activity was noticed at various concentrations of effluent treatment. When time-dependent changes in succinate dehydrogenase activity were followed a nearly threefold increase was found with 12 hr of treatment after which a rapid loss was noticed. A correlation was established between the retardation of growth and development of effluent-treated rice seedlings with the activities of some key enzymes regulating growth and development.