Effect of copper pollution on seedling growth and activate oxygen metabolism of Trifolium pratense
Chu, L.; Liu, D.; Wang, Y.; Li, Y.; Liu, H.
Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao 15(1): 119-122
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 1001-9332 PMID: 15139202 Document Number: 582776
The effect of copper (Cu) pollution on the seedling growth and activate oxygen metabolism of Trifolium pratense was studied by water cultivation experiments. The results showed that under low concentration of Cu (< 10mg . L-1), the growth of Trifolium pratense seedlings could be improved, their fresh/dry weight and the contents of soluble protein and chlorophylls in leaves increased slightly, the MDA content of leaf cells decreased, the activities of SOD, CAT and POD in the activate oxygen metabolism system slightly increased, and the balance of protective enzyme system was hold. However, with the increase of Cu concentration (10 apprx 100mg . L-1), there existed an obvious negative effect on the growth of Trifolium pratense seedlings. The seedlings under high concentrations of Cu were shorter and smaller, their fibrous roots were shorter and fewer, and their fresh/dry weight and the contents of soluble protein and chlorophylls in leaves decreased drastically. With the increase of Cu concentration, the membrane penetration, electric conductivity and MDA content of leaf cells increased. Furthermore, the activate oxygen metabolism system was destroyed, the balance of protective enzyme system was broken, the activities of SOD and CAT decreased by 26.67 % and 71.31 %, respectively, while the POD activity increased by 10.6 times.