Lead effects on Brassica napus photosynthetic organs

FERREYROA, GISELE V.; LAGORIO, MARÍA GABRIELA; TRINELLI, MARÍA ALCIRA; LAVADO, RAÚL S.; MOLINA, FERNANDO V.

ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY

ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2017 p. 123 - 130

0147-6513

In this study, effects of lead on ultracellular structure and pigment contents of Brassica napus were examined. Pb(II) was added in soluble form to soil prior to sowing. Pb contents were measured in plant organs at theontogenetic stages of flowering (FL) and physiological maturity (PM). Pigment contents were evaluated throughreflectance measurements. Pb content in organs was found to decrease in the order; roots > stems > leaves. Leadcontent in senescent leaves at FL stage was significantly higher than harvested leaves, strongly suggesting adetoxification mechanism. Leaves and stems harvested at the PM stage showed damage at subcellular level,namely chloroplast disorganization, cell wall damage and presence of osmiophilic bodies. Chlorophyll contentincreased in the presence of Pb at the FL stage, compared with control; at the PM stage, chlorophyll contentsdecreased with low Pb concentration but showed no significant differences with control at high Pb soilconcentration. The results suggest an increase in antioxidants at low Pb concentration and cell damage at higherlead concentration.