New Data on the Ceratophyllum demersum L. as an Environmental Pollution Bioindicator

Abstract

Aims: To perform an experimental analyses of the chemical composition and anatomic structure of polluted higher aquatic plants with the aid of combined physical methods of characterization by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis to validate their use for environmental pollution bioindication. Methodology: We used Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microanalysis for the detection of anthropogenic pollution in nature and in the model experiments on the chemical composition and anatomic structure of bioindicator plants (hydrophytes) Ceratophyllum demersum L. Results: A correlation between the changes existing in the IR spectrum of the plant samples and anthropogenic pollution of the plant inhabitation is established. Deformation and epidermis cell disruption were revealed in the samples from polluted sites and under the influence of salts of heavy metals (Hg2SO4, NiSO4) and ammonium salts ((NH4)2SO4, NH4NO3). Conclusion: By the use of combined physical methods it was proved that higher aquatic plants have a capability to respond actively on the water chemical composition changes by the increase of absorption bands intensity related to contaminants.