Urban vegetation affects the environment in several ways. It improves air quality, the height of ... more Urban vegetation affects the environment in several ways. It improves air quality, the height of drainage water, and soil properties, balances temperature variations (temperatures are lower in summer and higher in winter in the presence of urban vegetation), reduces UV radiation, reduces noise, increases relative air humidity and contributes to certain types of social development (ecological, aesthetic, economic aspects of urban development). Urban vegetation especially improves microclimatic conditions in large cities and considerably contributes to the urban increase of oxygen. It is of vital interest to pay attention to its size and quantity in urban areas. To assess CO2 absorption and O2 release, the photosynthesis of five tree species and three types of herbaceous plants species was measured. The obtained results show that there is a certain variability in terms of the species that was analyzed. Thus, fast-growing woody deciduous species are more suitable due to the greater and...
An anatomical study of adventitious roots of three Salix clones, ?B-44?, ?SV068? and ?SM4041?, tr... more An anatomical study of adventitious roots of three Salix clones, ?B-44?, ?SV068? and ?SM4041?, treated with 3 and 6 mg Cd kg-1 dry weight in soil was performed in a greenhouse experiment. The aim was to analyze the anatomical characteristics of roots in response to pollution by cadmium and to assess the potential application of anatomical and hydraulic characteristics in the selection of the most suitable Salix clones for phytostabilization of pollutants in soils. Anatomical parameters measured in this study included root cross-sectional area, root diameter, the proportion of periderm, secondary phloem (cortex) and wood (secondary and primary xylem), and parameters of the vessels (lumen area, diameter and frequency). Based on the measurements of individual vessel lumens and the number of vessels, the theoretical hydraulic conductivity (kh) of roots was calculated. The effects of applied Cd concentrations on root traits were studied in clones and control plants. Following treatments ...
The content of macronutrients (N, P, K, Na) and heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Co) in ... more The content of macronutrients (N, P, K, Na) and heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Co) in plant samples of dominant aquatic macrophytes (Ceratophyllum demersum, Phragmites australis, Trapa natans, Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, Nymphaea alba, Nymphoides peltata, Salvinia natans) from the river Jegricka (Serbia) is presented. Macronutrients content in plant tissue was above necessary limits for plant maximum growth indicating to substantial bioavailability of those elements typical for eutrophic environment. Content of investigated nutrients and heavy metals varied in relation to plant species. Ceratophyllum demersum turned out to be best bioaccumulator for P, K, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Co. Salvinia natans accumulated high amounts of N, P, K, Na, and especially Cu and Zn. Nymphaea alba accumulated highest recorded amounts of N and Na. Hydrocharis morsus-ranae accumulated very high amounts of N, P, K, Na, Pb, and Mn. Because of its fast growth, large abundance and homogeneous distribution on this locality, Phragmites australis might have high potential in use for phytoextraction of macronutrients and heavy metals. The application of macrophytes as indicators might be limited depending on the varying of environmental conditions on different localities.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2020
Willow species (Salix L.) are a useful tool for assessing phytostabilization of the sites pollute... more Willow species (Salix L.) are a useful tool for assessing phytostabilization of the sites polluted by heavy metals. Phytostabilization potential of two willow genotypes (Salix alba L. clone ‘68/53/1’ and Salix nigra Marshall clone ‘0408’) has been evaluated in a 45-day hydroponic experiment, using stem cuttings (diameter 12 to 14 mm, length 20 cm) exposed to two concentrations (10−4 M and 10−5 M) of individually applied Cd, Ni, and Pb. Metals were diluted in 25% Hoagland’s solution, in forms of CdCl2·H2O, NiSO4·6H2O, and Pb-EDTA. The control group of cuttings was grown in 25% Hoagland’s solution without heavy metals. High Cd concentrations in willow roots, 8637 mg/kg (clone ‘68/53/1’) and 6728 mg/kg of dry weight (clone ‘0408’), have indicated a high phytostabilization potential. However, detailed analyses of cross-sectional area of the root cortex and the central cylinder revealed that the excess concentration of Cd led to a significant reduction of measured anatomical rootʼs traits of clone ‘68/53/1’ in comparison with the control samples. Excessive concentration of Ni and Pb in nutrient solution increased the values of quantitatively measured rootʼs traits of clone ‘0408’, implying stimulatory effects of the applied concentrations. Concentration of 10−4 M of each metal had more negative effects on the rootsʼ anatomical traits, notably on parenchymal and exodermal cells and vessels. Deposits of metals were observed in root tissues. Clone ‘0408’ demonstrated an increased tolerance to heavy metals, which could potentially make this clone useful in phytostabilization.
White poplar is a key species in wood production and afforestation, but also very important for b... more White poplar is a key species in wood production and afforestation, but also very important for biodiversity preservation and habitat improvement. Vegetative propagation from hardwood cuttings is the most desirable method of white poplar breeding. The present research analyzed the effect of various technological treatments on four white poplar clones. Selected treatments were powder formulations of indole butyric acid (IBA) and foliar treatment with urea. The variability of 14 morphometric characteristics on the rooting of cuttings was analyzed, as well as relationships between them. Differences in analyzed morphometric characteristics depended on genotype, while the effect of the examined technological treatments was detected only by Fisher?s least significant difference (LSD) test. Significant variability between genotypes was found for traits describing rooting at the basal cut (R0 and R0p), the number of leaves (LN), the total number of roots (TRN), and cutting survival in the f...
Two half-sib lines of Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) (C1 and C2) were subjected to different trea... more Two half-sib lines of Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) (C1 and C2) were subjected to different treatments in semi-controlled conditions: optimal soil moisture - control (K), drought followed by recovery after the restoration of the optimal soil moisture (T1) and the treatment of constant drought (T2). Changes in the physiological parameters related to the process of photosynthesis were examined in correlation with the applied treatments. Treatment T2 was influenced to a significant reduction in the intensity of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and instantaneous water use efficiency, as well as to a significant increase in the intercellular CO2 concentration in both half-sib lines. In relation to control, treatment T2 did not lead to a significant variation in the maximum photochemical efficiency in the examined half-sib lines. In treatment T1, the second half-sib line (C2) showed better ability to recover the intensity of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance after re-watering, ...
are valuable source of vitamins, minerals and fibers important for healthy human nutrition. Howev... more are valuable source of vitamins, minerals and fibers important for healthy human nutrition. However, an increased level of heavy metals in vegetables has been noticed in recent years. This study was conducted with an aim to analyze content of heavy metals, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) in 11 vegetable species which are the most common in human diet. Vegetables were collected from three green markets (Limanska, Futoska and Riblja pijaca) in Novi Sad, during September and October, from 2009 to 2011. Heavy metal contents were analyzed in edible parts of tomato, potato, spinach, onion, beetroot, parsley, parsnip, carrot, cauliflower, pepper and broccoli using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Varian, AAS 240FS). The results showed statistically significant differences in element concentrations among analyzed vegetables. In general, the highest metal pollution was observed in the year of 2011. Spinach was found to contain the highest metals content - 0.89 ?g/g for Cd, 5.8...
Three willow species (Salix alba, Salix matsudana and Salix nigra) were exposed to very high cadm... more Three willow species (Salix alba, Salix matsudana and Salix nigra) were exposed to very high cadmium (Cd) concentrations in order to define some physiological traits related to high biomass production. Plants were grown hydroponically under semi-controlled conditions (greenhouse). It was assumed that leaves accumulate different amounts of Cd in relation to their age due to the specific occurrence of symptoms generated by Cd accumulation. The rate of photosynthesis and concentration of photosynthetic pigments in young and old leaves was correlated with biomass production in order to ascertain their significance as indicators of plant performance at sites contaminated with Cd. Changes in the photosynthetic parameters induced by treatments depended on the concentration of Cd in the nutrient solution, the species of willow and leaf age. Fv/Fm ratios were not considerably changed in treated plants, indicating preserved activity of PSII. According to results presented in this work, the Fv...
Present work examines phytoextraction potential of four black locust families (half-sibs 54, 56, ... more Present work examines phytoextraction potential of four black locust families (half-sibs 54, 56, 115 and 135) grown hydroponically. Plants were treated with 6 ppm of cadmium (Cd), 100 ppm of nickel (Ni) and 40 ppm of lead (Pb) added in Hoagland nutrient solution, accompanying with simultaneously applied all three metals. Responses to metals exposure among families were different, ranging from severe to slight reduction of root and shoot biomass production of treated plants. Calculated tolerance indices are indicating tested families as highly tolerant (Ti > 60). Family 135 had the lowest tolerance index, pointing that it was highly susceptible to applied metals. Comparing photosynthetic activities of tested families it has been noticed that they were highly sensitive to stress induced by heavy metals. Net photosynthetic rate of nickel treated plants was the most affected by applied concentration. Cadmium and nickel concentrations in stems and leaves of black locust families exceeded 100 mg Cd kg(-1) and 1000 mg Ni kg(-1), in both single and multipolution context. On the contrary, accumulation of lead in above ground biomass was highly affected by multipolution treatment. Tf and BCF significantly varied between investigated treatments and families of black locust. Concerning obtained results of heavy metals accumulation and tolerance of black locust families can be concluded that tested families might be a promising tool for phytoextraction purposes, but it takes to be further confirmed in field trials.
Phytoremediation is an emerging technology where plants are used for environmental cleanup. Crude... more Phytoremediation is an emerging technology where plants are used for environmental cleanup. Crude oil contami-nated soils are one of the most challenging tasks for phytoremediation applications due to the complexity of the proc-ess aff ected by variability in chemical composition of oil, plant-microorganism interactions and phytotoxicity of contaminants. Although signs of phytotoxicity are very oft en easily visible, sometimes plant physiological processes can indicate stress in plants due to the presence of xenobiotics in cases without visible signs. Th is paper presents in-vestigation of the potential of various poplar (Populus sp.) clones for phytoremediation of soils contaminated with crude oil through assessment of physiological parameters. Biomass production together with: (i) nitrate reductase activity; (ii) net photosynthesis/dark respiration, (iii) proline content (iv) chlorophyll fl uorescence and (v) pigments contents were studied. Investiagted clones showed various react...
The paper presents the impact of periodic soil drought on physiological parameters important for ... more The paper presents the impact of periodic soil drought on physiological parameters important for bioproductivity of mountain beech populations. The investigated forest population was located near Fruška gora mountain peak, where water runs off quickly, and consequently lack of soil humidity develops very often. Decreasing trends of photosynthesis, transpiration, water use efficiency and stomatal conductance (gs) during the growing season were evident, in correlation with a shortage of precipitation. Diurnally, photosynthesis of beech leaves showed rhythmical changes. It was the most intensive in the morning, then decreased between noon and 1 pm, and increased again during early afternoon. High leaf temperature and water deficit in the deeper soil layers caused a decreasing trend in photosynthesis and daily rhythmic changes of the transpiration rate and water use efficiency. Although surface soil water capacity did not show a significant decreasing trend from July to September, a lac...
The influence of cadmium (Cd) on physiological processes in wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) and maize... more The influence of cadmium (Cd) on physiological processes in wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) and maize (Zea maysL.) plants exposed to either optimal mineral nutrition or the absence of magnesium (Mg) as well as the accumulation of cadmium and magnesium in plant organs were studied using the method of water culture in a greenhouse. Cd treatment reduced shoot fresh mass more strongly in Mg-supplied than in Mg-deficient plants. Negative effect of Cd on photosynthetic activity was more pronounced inT. aestivumthan inZ. maysplants. Cd treatment decreased leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid concentration in bothZ. maysandT. aestivum,irrespective of the Mg supply. Cd was preferentially accumulated in the roots of both species. Catalase activity inT. aestivumleaves and roots was unaffected by Cd and Mg supply. Cd treatment did not affect Fe accumulation in the leaves of either species, while in the roots a considerable increase occurred, irrespective of the Mg nutrition. Higher tolerance ofZ. maysan...
The concentrations of Cu and Zn were measured in shoots of plants Phragmites australis (Cav.) Tri... more The concentrations of Cu and Zn were measured in shoots of plants Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin ex Steud., Typha latifolia L. and Typha angustifolia L. at four locations in the area Bardaca (Necik - neglected fishpond, Lug - fishpond used for recreation activities, Sinjak - active fishpond and Matura - river connected to some of the fishponds). In all these types of water bodies, Zn and Cu concentrations were the highest in young plants (May-June) and then declined until the end of the season, especially in September. Phragmites australis has accumulated higher amounts of Zn than Typha latifolia and Typha angustifolia, whereas for Cu the difference between species was not so clear. In relation to the site, the largest concentrations of Zn and Cu were recorded in plants from the sites Sinjak and Matura, followed by Necik and Lug respectively. Such site specific differences are related to specific ecological conditions at each habitat.
Environmental, Health and Humanity Issues in the Down Danubian Region - Multidisciplinary Approaches - Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Interdisciplinary Regional Research, 2008
In this paper, the ecological status of a section of the Danube River flowing through Serbia from... more In this paper, the ecological status of a section of the Danube River flowing through Serbia from Bezdan to Djerdap was evalutated. Using the chemical composition of water, sediment samples from the littoral zone and dominant aquatic macrophytes, the level of chemical pollution was ascertained. Chemical analyses of the water and sediment indicated that the tributaries flowing into the Danube significantly influenced the chemical load of the water and as a direct consequence, the sediment. The concentration of heavy metals including Cu, Mn and Cd found in plants of the Potamogeton genus, further indicated significant chemical pollution, establishing a clear link between the chemical composition of plant tissues and the chemical composition of water and sediment. This paper therefore describes how the chemical composition of aquatic plants can be used as a reliable indicator for heavy metal pollution of aquatic ecosystems.
Urban vegetation affects the environment in several ways. It improves air quality, the height of ... more Urban vegetation affects the environment in several ways. It improves air quality, the height of drainage water, and soil properties, balances temperature variations (temperatures are lower in summer and higher in winter in the presence of urban vegetation), reduces UV radiation, reduces noise, increases relative air humidity and contributes to certain types of social development (ecological, aesthetic, economic aspects of urban development). Urban vegetation especially improves microclimatic conditions in large cities and considerably contributes to the urban increase of oxygen. It is of vital interest to pay attention to its size and quantity in urban areas. To assess CO2 absorption and O2 release, the photosynthesis of five tree species and three types of herbaceous plants species was measured. The obtained results show that there is a certain variability in terms of the species that was analyzed. Thus, fast-growing woody deciduous species are more suitable due to the greater and...
An anatomical study of adventitious roots of three Salix clones, ?B-44?, ?SV068? and ?SM4041?, tr... more An anatomical study of adventitious roots of three Salix clones, ?B-44?, ?SV068? and ?SM4041?, treated with 3 and 6 mg Cd kg-1 dry weight in soil was performed in a greenhouse experiment. The aim was to analyze the anatomical characteristics of roots in response to pollution by cadmium and to assess the potential application of anatomical and hydraulic characteristics in the selection of the most suitable Salix clones for phytostabilization of pollutants in soils. Anatomical parameters measured in this study included root cross-sectional area, root diameter, the proportion of periderm, secondary phloem (cortex) and wood (secondary and primary xylem), and parameters of the vessels (lumen area, diameter and frequency). Based on the measurements of individual vessel lumens and the number of vessels, the theoretical hydraulic conductivity (kh) of roots was calculated. The effects of applied Cd concentrations on root traits were studied in clones and control plants. Following treatments ...
The content of macronutrients (N, P, K, Na) and heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Co) in ... more The content of macronutrients (N, P, K, Na) and heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Co) in plant samples of dominant aquatic macrophytes (Ceratophyllum demersum, Phragmites australis, Trapa natans, Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, Nymphaea alba, Nymphoides peltata, Salvinia natans) from the river Jegricka (Serbia) is presented. Macronutrients content in plant tissue was above necessary limits for plant maximum growth indicating to substantial bioavailability of those elements typical for eutrophic environment. Content of investigated nutrients and heavy metals varied in relation to plant species. Ceratophyllum demersum turned out to be best bioaccumulator for P, K, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Co. Salvinia natans accumulated high amounts of N, P, K, Na, and especially Cu and Zn. Nymphaea alba accumulated highest recorded amounts of N and Na. Hydrocharis morsus-ranae accumulated very high amounts of N, P, K, Na, Pb, and Mn. Because of its fast growth, large abundance and homogeneous distribution on this locality, Phragmites australis might have high potential in use for phytoextraction of macronutrients and heavy metals. The application of macrophytes as indicators might be limited depending on the varying of environmental conditions on different localities.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2020
Willow species (Salix L.) are a useful tool for assessing phytostabilization of the sites pollute... more Willow species (Salix L.) are a useful tool for assessing phytostabilization of the sites polluted by heavy metals. Phytostabilization potential of two willow genotypes (Salix alba L. clone ‘68/53/1’ and Salix nigra Marshall clone ‘0408’) has been evaluated in a 45-day hydroponic experiment, using stem cuttings (diameter 12 to 14 mm, length 20 cm) exposed to two concentrations (10−4 M and 10−5 M) of individually applied Cd, Ni, and Pb. Metals were diluted in 25% Hoagland’s solution, in forms of CdCl2·H2O, NiSO4·6H2O, and Pb-EDTA. The control group of cuttings was grown in 25% Hoagland’s solution without heavy metals. High Cd concentrations in willow roots, 8637 mg/kg (clone ‘68/53/1’) and 6728 mg/kg of dry weight (clone ‘0408’), have indicated a high phytostabilization potential. However, detailed analyses of cross-sectional area of the root cortex and the central cylinder revealed that the excess concentration of Cd led to a significant reduction of measured anatomical rootʼs traits of clone ‘68/53/1’ in comparison with the control samples. Excessive concentration of Ni and Pb in nutrient solution increased the values of quantitatively measured rootʼs traits of clone ‘0408’, implying stimulatory effects of the applied concentrations. Concentration of 10−4 M of each metal had more negative effects on the rootsʼ anatomical traits, notably on parenchymal and exodermal cells and vessels. Deposits of metals were observed in root tissues. Clone ‘0408’ demonstrated an increased tolerance to heavy metals, which could potentially make this clone useful in phytostabilization.
White poplar is a key species in wood production and afforestation, but also very important for b... more White poplar is a key species in wood production and afforestation, but also very important for biodiversity preservation and habitat improvement. Vegetative propagation from hardwood cuttings is the most desirable method of white poplar breeding. The present research analyzed the effect of various technological treatments on four white poplar clones. Selected treatments were powder formulations of indole butyric acid (IBA) and foliar treatment with urea. The variability of 14 morphometric characteristics on the rooting of cuttings was analyzed, as well as relationships between them. Differences in analyzed morphometric characteristics depended on genotype, while the effect of the examined technological treatments was detected only by Fisher?s least significant difference (LSD) test. Significant variability between genotypes was found for traits describing rooting at the basal cut (R0 and R0p), the number of leaves (LN), the total number of roots (TRN), and cutting survival in the f...
Two half-sib lines of Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) (C1 and C2) were subjected to different trea... more Two half-sib lines of Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) (C1 and C2) were subjected to different treatments in semi-controlled conditions: optimal soil moisture - control (K), drought followed by recovery after the restoration of the optimal soil moisture (T1) and the treatment of constant drought (T2). Changes in the physiological parameters related to the process of photosynthesis were examined in correlation with the applied treatments. Treatment T2 was influenced to a significant reduction in the intensity of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and instantaneous water use efficiency, as well as to a significant increase in the intercellular CO2 concentration in both half-sib lines. In relation to control, treatment T2 did not lead to a significant variation in the maximum photochemical efficiency in the examined half-sib lines. In treatment T1, the second half-sib line (C2) showed better ability to recover the intensity of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance after re-watering, ...
are valuable source of vitamins, minerals and fibers important for healthy human nutrition. Howev... more are valuable source of vitamins, minerals and fibers important for healthy human nutrition. However, an increased level of heavy metals in vegetables has been noticed in recent years. This study was conducted with an aim to analyze content of heavy metals, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) in 11 vegetable species which are the most common in human diet. Vegetables were collected from three green markets (Limanska, Futoska and Riblja pijaca) in Novi Sad, during September and October, from 2009 to 2011. Heavy metal contents were analyzed in edible parts of tomato, potato, spinach, onion, beetroot, parsley, parsnip, carrot, cauliflower, pepper and broccoli using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Varian, AAS 240FS). The results showed statistically significant differences in element concentrations among analyzed vegetables. In general, the highest metal pollution was observed in the year of 2011. Spinach was found to contain the highest metals content - 0.89 ?g/g for Cd, 5.8...
Three willow species (Salix alba, Salix matsudana and Salix nigra) were exposed to very high cadm... more Three willow species (Salix alba, Salix matsudana and Salix nigra) were exposed to very high cadmium (Cd) concentrations in order to define some physiological traits related to high biomass production. Plants were grown hydroponically under semi-controlled conditions (greenhouse). It was assumed that leaves accumulate different amounts of Cd in relation to their age due to the specific occurrence of symptoms generated by Cd accumulation. The rate of photosynthesis and concentration of photosynthetic pigments in young and old leaves was correlated with biomass production in order to ascertain their significance as indicators of plant performance at sites contaminated with Cd. Changes in the photosynthetic parameters induced by treatments depended on the concentration of Cd in the nutrient solution, the species of willow and leaf age. Fv/Fm ratios were not considerably changed in treated plants, indicating preserved activity of PSII. According to results presented in this work, the Fv...
Present work examines phytoextraction potential of four black locust families (half-sibs 54, 56, ... more Present work examines phytoextraction potential of four black locust families (half-sibs 54, 56, 115 and 135) grown hydroponically. Plants were treated with 6 ppm of cadmium (Cd), 100 ppm of nickel (Ni) and 40 ppm of lead (Pb) added in Hoagland nutrient solution, accompanying with simultaneously applied all three metals. Responses to metals exposure among families were different, ranging from severe to slight reduction of root and shoot biomass production of treated plants. Calculated tolerance indices are indicating tested families as highly tolerant (Ti > 60). Family 135 had the lowest tolerance index, pointing that it was highly susceptible to applied metals. Comparing photosynthetic activities of tested families it has been noticed that they were highly sensitive to stress induced by heavy metals. Net photosynthetic rate of nickel treated plants was the most affected by applied concentration. Cadmium and nickel concentrations in stems and leaves of black locust families exceeded 100 mg Cd kg(-1) and 1000 mg Ni kg(-1), in both single and multipolution context. On the contrary, accumulation of lead in above ground biomass was highly affected by multipolution treatment. Tf and BCF significantly varied between investigated treatments and families of black locust. Concerning obtained results of heavy metals accumulation and tolerance of black locust families can be concluded that tested families might be a promising tool for phytoextraction purposes, but it takes to be further confirmed in field trials.
Phytoremediation is an emerging technology where plants are used for environmental cleanup. Crude... more Phytoremediation is an emerging technology where plants are used for environmental cleanup. Crude oil contami-nated soils are one of the most challenging tasks for phytoremediation applications due to the complexity of the proc-ess aff ected by variability in chemical composition of oil, plant-microorganism interactions and phytotoxicity of contaminants. Although signs of phytotoxicity are very oft en easily visible, sometimes plant physiological processes can indicate stress in plants due to the presence of xenobiotics in cases without visible signs. Th is paper presents in-vestigation of the potential of various poplar (Populus sp.) clones for phytoremediation of soils contaminated with crude oil through assessment of physiological parameters. Biomass production together with: (i) nitrate reductase activity; (ii) net photosynthesis/dark respiration, (iii) proline content (iv) chlorophyll fl uorescence and (v) pigments contents were studied. Investiagted clones showed various react...
The paper presents the impact of periodic soil drought on physiological parameters important for ... more The paper presents the impact of periodic soil drought on physiological parameters important for bioproductivity of mountain beech populations. The investigated forest population was located near Fruška gora mountain peak, where water runs off quickly, and consequently lack of soil humidity develops very often. Decreasing trends of photosynthesis, transpiration, water use efficiency and stomatal conductance (gs) during the growing season were evident, in correlation with a shortage of precipitation. Diurnally, photosynthesis of beech leaves showed rhythmical changes. It was the most intensive in the morning, then decreased between noon and 1 pm, and increased again during early afternoon. High leaf temperature and water deficit in the deeper soil layers caused a decreasing trend in photosynthesis and daily rhythmic changes of the transpiration rate and water use efficiency. Although surface soil water capacity did not show a significant decreasing trend from July to September, a lac...
The influence of cadmium (Cd) on physiological processes in wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) and maize... more The influence of cadmium (Cd) on physiological processes in wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) and maize (Zea maysL.) plants exposed to either optimal mineral nutrition or the absence of magnesium (Mg) as well as the accumulation of cadmium and magnesium in plant organs were studied using the method of water culture in a greenhouse. Cd treatment reduced shoot fresh mass more strongly in Mg-supplied than in Mg-deficient plants. Negative effect of Cd on photosynthetic activity was more pronounced inT. aestivumthan inZ. maysplants. Cd treatment decreased leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid concentration in bothZ. maysandT. aestivum,irrespective of the Mg supply. Cd was preferentially accumulated in the roots of both species. Catalase activity inT. aestivumleaves and roots was unaffected by Cd and Mg supply. Cd treatment did not affect Fe accumulation in the leaves of either species, while in the roots a considerable increase occurred, irrespective of the Mg nutrition. Higher tolerance ofZ. maysan...
The concentrations of Cu and Zn were measured in shoots of plants Phragmites australis (Cav.) Tri... more The concentrations of Cu and Zn were measured in shoots of plants Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin ex Steud., Typha latifolia L. and Typha angustifolia L. at four locations in the area Bardaca (Necik - neglected fishpond, Lug - fishpond used for recreation activities, Sinjak - active fishpond and Matura - river connected to some of the fishponds). In all these types of water bodies, Zn and Cu concentrations were the highest in young plants (May-June) and then declined until the end of the season, especially in September. Phragmites australis has accumulated higher amounts of Zn than Typha latifolia and Typha angustifolia, whereas for Cu the difference between species was not so clear. In relation to the site, the largest concentrations of Zn and Cu were recorded in plants from the sites Sinjak and Matura, followed by Necik and Lug respectively. Such site specific differences are related to specific ecological conditions at each habitat.
Environmental, Health and Humanity Issues in the Down Danubian Region - Multidisciplinary Approaches - Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Interdisciplinary Regional Research, 2008
In this paper, the ecological status of a section of the Danube River flowing through Serbia from... more In this paper, the ecological status of a section of the Danube River flowing through Serbia from Bezdan to Djerdap was evalutated. Using the chemical composition of water, sediment samples from the littoral zone and dominant aquatic macrophytes, the level of chemical pollution was ascertained. Chemical analyses of the water and sediment indicated that the tributaries flowing into the Danube significantly influenced the chemical load of the water and as a direct consequence, the sediment. The concentration of heavy metals including Cu, Mn and Cd found in plants of the Potamogeton genus, further indicated significant chemical pollution, establishing a clear link between the chemical composition of plant tissues and the chemical composition of water and sediment. This paper therefore describes how the chemical composition of aquatic plants can be used as a reliable indicator for heavy metal pollution of aquatic ecosystems.
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