Publication

Abstract : Though nitrogen fixes are recommended as good bio fertizers, their efficiency in a polluted environment is a problem of great concers. In the present paper we have focused on one of the major pollutants, heavy metals viz nickel and copper and their toxicological effects on the nitrogen fixer, Azotobacter chroococcum; Nickel and copper are reported to be toxic inspite of their biological importance(Dalton et al, 1985). Some organisms are reported to accumulate heavy metals inspite of their toxicity(Fuchs, Thauer 1988; Maier et al, 1990) But no reports are available on the effects of nickel and copper on the nitrogen fixing capacity of Azotobacter sp. We have investigated the efficiency of nitrogen fixation and induction of thiols as a function of heavy metal binding peptides in A. Chroococcum.