Heavy metal accumulation affects growth of Scots pine by causing oxidative damage

In this study, some physiological and biochemical parameters related to oxidative stress and the concentration of heavy metals were analyzed in leaves of pine trees (Pinus sylvestris L.) collected from regions suspected of air pollution. Leaves were collected from plants at five different locations near Erzincan, Turkey including the city center and a control area. All leaves were divided into two main parts after a washing procedure. After all pre-procedures in the laboratory, heavy metal analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). Data were analyzed statistically, and significant differences were found for plants collected among the different locations. Additionally, electrolyte leakage and physiological parameters such as lipid peroxidation, H2O2 content, chlorophyll content, and activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase were determined as indicators of plant cell stress. Results indicated significant differences between plants at experimental locations vs. the control area in terms of stress parameters; these differences were associated with heavy metal concentrations in plants. © 2016, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.