Effect of ionizing irradiation and heavy metals on the photosynthetic apparatus of pea plants

Toxic metal contamination is now days one of the most serious problems with great incidence on human health and the environment. As a consequence of mining and other industrial activities, municipal wastes and sewage, toxic metals like Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Hg and As are being accumulated at toxic levels in soil and water. The biosynthesis of chlorophyll in pear leaves was studied in the conditions of combined action of low (0.01-1.5 Gy) γ - radiation doses and low (10-5) concentration of Pb and Cd ions. The paper considers the mechanism of strengthening or weakening of radiation effects at combined actions. (authors)