Antioxidant activities in relation to the transport of heavy metals from the soil to different parts of Betula pendula (Roth.)

Abstract

Background Birch is a tree with a common occurrence in the environment and its organs are used in the form of herbal material. An important aspect of this study is birch pollen, which is a problem for allergy sufferers, and due to a variety of environmental conditions, its allergenicity may increase. Among the organs studied, inflorescences deserve attention, which, as seen from an overview of the literature, are analysed for the content of heavy metals for the first time in this study. Results This paper investigated the relationship between antioxidant properties and the content of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni and Cr) as the plant's response to stress, taking into account both the vegetative and generative organs of the tree Betula pendula. While studying the accumulation of elements in individual organs, the research was extended to include the aspect of different environmental conditions, reflected in two soil types of differing physicochemical properties: sandy and silty soils. In order to thoroughly analyse the transport of the studied heavy metals from the soil to individual organs (leaves, inflorescences and pollen), ecotoxicological indicators were used. A modified translocation factor (TF) index into sTF (sap translocation factor) was presented as a novelty in research, calculated based on the content of selected heavy metals in the sap flowing to individual birch organs. This allowed for a more complete description of the transport of elements in the aerial parts of plants, indicating the accumulation of zinc and cadmium, especially in leaves. Among the studied environmental conditions which may affect the accumulation of heavy metals, sandy soil is of particular significance, conditioning lower pH values, among other things. However, analysis of the reaction of birch to the conditions of the soil environment and the content of heavy metals, based on antioxidant properties, demonstrated an evident reaction to stress, but without an unambiguous response among the studied vegetative and generative organs. Conclusions As birch is a plant with wide utility values, monitoring studies are advisable to exclude the risk of accumulation of heavy metals in its organs, and for this purpose it may be useful to use the sTF indicator and assess the antioxidant potential.

Impact of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Environment on the Metabolic Profile of Medicinal Plants and Their Therapeutic Potential

“…SOD facilitates the dismutation of superoxide radicals, while CAT and peroxidases work in tandem to decompose hydrogen peroxide and other peroxides. Through these enzymatic activities, medicinal plants carefully manage their functions, capturing ROS and keeping the balance right within their cells [ 97 , 120 , 163 , 164 ].…”

“…(i) Genetic diversity: The complex interaction between heavy metals and antioxidant activity in medicinal plants unfolds against the backdrop of genetic diversity inherent to each species. The impact of heavy metals is not a uniform experience, as variations in gene expression, the presence of specific alleles, and genetic traits related to metal tolerance contribute to the diverse responses observed among different plant species [ 97 , 121 ]. The detailed genetic structure of each medicinal plant species plays a critical role in shaping its capacity to endure and cope with the challenges of exposure to heavy metals.…”

A study on Effect of Ambient Air Pollution from Roadside Traffic on Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Constituents of Solanum tuberosum L.

“…It is a prominent component of numerous forest ecosystems, including urban forests and parks. The research indicates that silver birch exhibits characteristics of a pioneer plant due to its minimal requirements for habitat in the context of air pollution transport, as evidenced by the levels of specific total phenolic and flavonoid content in its leaves [4]. A Mediterranean host-spot pollution region is defined as a region with heavy traffic and industrial areas.…”

Regional Variations in Peucedanum japonicum Antioxidants and Phytochemicals

“…The concentration or content of these compounds in a given plant varies considerably according to environmental conditions. Plants that grow in environmentally disturbed areas tend to accumulate more antioxidant compounds in their systems [16] Additionally, plants that are more exposed to sunlight tend to accumulate large amounts of antioxidants as a form of defense from UV rays [17]. The amount of antioxidant compounds also varies among different plant organs [18].…”