Influence of Pb and Cd on the Biochemical Indices of Avena sativa (Poaceae, Liliopsida)

Abstract

Abstract—This study was devoted to the investigation of changes of vegetable raw material under Pb and Cd translocation in the tissues of oat grown on turf and sand soils with modelled pollution, as well the impact of Pb and Cd accumulation on the biochemical status of plants. The oat seedlings actively accumulated the introduced metals; under the combined action of Pb and Cd, synergism of the elements in the organogenic soil and antagonism in the mineral soil were revealed. Oat cultivation in equally contaminated organogenic and mineral soils led to a higher accumulation of the studied metals in plant tissues in the experiment with mineral soil. Especially high Pb and Cd contents were observed in the underground part of the plants, which were in immediate contact with the toxicants. Introduction of Cd led to stimulation of the photosynthetic pigments and antioxidants, while Pb caused damage to the cell membranes, a decreased flavonoid level, and peroxidase inhibition. Flavonoids and catalase were the most effective antioxidants in the experiment with organogenic soil, while peroxidase and carotenoids were efficient in the experiment with mineral soil.