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Compartmentalization and ultrastructural alterations induced by chromium in aquatic macrophytes
Pedro A Mangabeira1, Aluane S Ferreira, Alex-Alan F de Almeida
1Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Centro de Microscopia Eletrônica, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rodovia Ilhéus-Itabuna km 16, Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. pamangabeira@uesc.br
Summary
This study found that aquatic plants like Alternanthera philoxeroides accumulate chromium primarily in their roots. These plants may serve as useful biomarkers for chromium contamination in rivers.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Plant Biology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Chromium (Cr) contamination poses environmental risks.
- Aquatic macrophytes are crucial in river ecosystems and can accumulate heavy metals.
- Understanding Cr accumulation in macrophytes is vital for environmental monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify chromium accumulation sites in four abundant macrophyte species from the Cachoeira River.
- To investigate the effects of chromium exposure on macrophyte ultrastructure.
- To assess the potential of these macrophytes as biomarkers for chromium contamination.
Main Methods:
- Macrophytes were exposed to different concentrations of chromium chloride (CrCl3·6H2O).
- Chromium concentrations in plant tissues were analyzed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
- Ultrastructural analysis of plant tissues was performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS).
Main Results:
- Chromium predominantly accumulated in the roots (8.6-30 mg kg−1 dry weight) of all four species.
- Lower concentrations of chromium were found in stems (3.8-8.6 mg kg−1 dry weight) and leaves (0.01-9.0 mg kg−1 dry weight).
- Chromium was localized in root vacuoles and xylem/parenchyma cell walls; chloroplast and nuclear alterations were observed in Alternanthera philoxeroides and Borreria scabiosoides.
Conclusions:
- The roots of the studied macrophytes are the primary sites for chromium accumulation.
- Observed ultrastructural changes suggest Alternanthera philoxeroides and Borreria scabiosoides can act as sensitive biomarkers for chromium contamination.
- This research provides insights into macrophyte-metal interactions and their application in environmental monitoring.
