Quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) are a group of popular chemical compounds often used in various industries. Consequently, their use is widespread, giving rise to increasing concerns  regarding the environmental contamination due to excessive use of these compounds. In this study, the aim was to study the influence of QAS on the growth and development of common radish by using tetrabutylammonium chloride ([TBA][Cl]) and tetrabutylammonium bromide ([TBA][Br]). Both compounds were added to the soil at various concentrations: 0, 1, 10, 100, 400, 700 and 1000 mg compound per 1 kg of soil dry weight (DW). For each concentration of TBA salts, 3 independent samples were prepared. Both test compounds inhibited the growth of aerial parts of the plants and led to an increase in the content of dry matter in radish leaves. Furthermore, the presence of test compounds in the soil adversely affected the content of all assimilation pigments in radish leaves. Moreover, the test compounds induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by an increase in the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In response to the oxidative stress, the common radish plants activated the enzymatic antioxidant system. An increase in the activity of enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), was observed. All changes observed in the plants were strongly related to the concentration of test compounds in the soil. However, there were no major differences in the impact of [TBA][Cl] and [TBA][Br] on common radish plants.  

4.23.2018