Arsenic induced phytotoxicity in Triticum aestivum L. and probabilistic risk of carcinogenesis associated with consumption of contaminated wheat

Arsenic (As), a highly toxic metalloid, poses a serious environmental and biological threat due to its widespread presence in agricultural and natural ecosystems which directly affects crop productivity. Wheat is a staple crop and India's second highest grown crop. In India, mostly wheat cultivation regions are contaminated with As in groundwater as well as in agricultural soil. This study explores the effects of various doses of sodium arsenate (0, 10, 20, 40, 60, and 100 mg kg-1) on three wheat varieties (HD2824, HD3171, and HD2733) cultivated in As contaminated regions of India. Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), the highest As accumulation (29.52 mg kg-1) was observed in HD2733 roots at 100 mg kg-1 As treatment with minimum total Chl content (9.74 mg g-1FW) at 60 d, alongside enhanced proline (254.43 µmol g-1) content and antioxidant enzyme activities APX (20.77 mM mg-1), CAT (10.72 mM mg-1), GR (98.79 mM mg-1), SOD (257.480 U g-1FW). Secondary metabolites (gallic acid, salicylic acid, rutin, and quercetin) were identified through TLC and HPLC. Anatomical study (light microscopy and FESEM-EDX) confirmed As's transport and tissue impact, while carcinogenic risks in wheat parts were assessed for various age groups. Results indicated significant toxicity and health risks, underscoring the need for remediation strategies.