IMPACTOS DO FLUORETO DE CÁLCIO NO DESENVOLVIMENTO DA Lactuca sativa L.

Abstract

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a short-cycle vegetable widely cultivated and sensitive to the presence of environmental contaminants, such as calcium fluoride (CaF₂). The vegetable can exhibit alterations that compromise its development, which can be observed daily or in laboratory analyses. Due to this behavior, lettuce acts as a bioindicator. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the effects of CaF₂ as a possible pollutant on the initial development of Lactuca sativa L., analyzing parameters of germination, root growth, germination speed index (GSI), chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf anatomical alterations. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with five concentrations of CaF₂ (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg L⁻¹) and four replicates, distributed in two experimental stages. The results indicated that exposure to calcium fluoride affected physiological and structural parameters of the plants. Changes were observed in the germination process and seed vigor, as well as anatomical modifications in the leaves, characterized by tissue disorganization as CaF₂ concentrations increased. Therefore, CaF₂ at doses from 15 mg L⁻¹ can pose a potential risk to the initial development of the crop, compromising germination, germination speed index, and seedling growth. Thus, Lactuca sativa L., through laboratory analyses and studies, proves to be an efficient and low-cost bioindicator tool.