Open AccessEvaluation of Atrichum undulatum as an effective indicator of lead pollution in soil
Author(s) -
Ning Yang,
Mingtan Dong,
Zhencheng Xu,
Xin Zhou,
Zhencheng Xu,
Wang Ku
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of environmental biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.247
H-Index - 48
eISSN - 2394-0379
pISSN - 0254-8704
DOI - 10.22438/jeb/42/3/mrn-1524
Subject(s) - environmental chemistry , pollution , soil contamination , environmental science , soil test , chemistry , soil water , soil science , ecology , biology
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of Atrichum undulatum to soil Pb contamination and check its affectivity as an indicator of Pb pollution indicator. Methodology: Soil and plant samples were collected and characterized. Plants were grown in different levels of Pb contaminated soil (35, 70,140 and 280 mg kg-1, respectively). After 35 days, the plant samples were cut and ground to determine physiological and biochemical parameters. Results: Soil available Pb accounted for approximately 15–24% of total Pb, and the ratio of available Pb decreased with increase in treatment concentration. All the above mentioned parameters were closely related to soil Pb stress, especially when soil Pb concentration was higher than 140 mg kg-1. A. undulatum had a low tolerance to Pb and distinct responses to soil Pb pollution, with visible symptoms such as damaged sporophytes and gametophytes. When soil Pb concentration was in low concentration (70 and 140 mg kg-1), the leaves turned yellow and brown. When soil Pb concentration increased to 280 mg kg-1, the seta softened and kinked and eventually, the plants withered and died.Interpretation: Changes in physiological and biochemical parameters of tested plants such as chlorophyll, soluble protein and MDA content were related to soil Pb stress, especially to soil bioavailable Pb content, and corresponded well to changes in soil Pb pollution level. The results suggest that A. undulatum can be used as indicators to monitor and evaluate Pb pollution in soil.