Micro-morphological Characterization of Fresh Cannabis sativa L. Roots After Lead Exposure Using Low Temperature Method for ESEM

Abstract

Cannabis sativa L. is an important multipurpose herbaceous plant known for its high content of phytochemicals but as well as, an important source of both cellulosic and woody fibers. Heavy metal accumulation in plants is often restricted to the root tissue, with only small amounts transported to the shoot [1]. An understanding of the toxicological and physiological responses of a plant to metal contamination is of particular relevance when attempting to predict the impact of a metal ion on the growth of an industrial plant like hemp. This is particularly important nowadays when the number of contaminated riparian ecosystems is increasing. Heavy metal exposure can affect plant's capability to receive nutrients and change plant's anatomy. There are various methods to determine morphological changes in root cross sections. However, there are disadvantages of these methods such as limited resolution (histology) [2], time consuming chemical treatment with possible artifacts formation (SEM) and high cost of the equipment (cryo-SEM) [3].