Lead (Pb) Absorption in Roots, Rhizomes, and Leaves of Seagrass Cymodocea serrulata

Abstract

Abstract.

Cymodocea serrulata was used to examine the accumulation of heavy metal uptake in the seagrass tissues and its impact on the anatomical changes of the seagrass tissues. Heavy metal analysis on water samples, sediments, and seagrass used Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and seagrass tissue anatomical analysis used the Olympus BX51 Digital Imaging Microscope. The analysis result of lead (Pb) concentrations in water and sediments in South Bangka were sediments>water, while in Ketawai Island were sediments>water. Lead (Pb) concentrations in the seagrass in South Bangka were the roots>rhizomes>leaves, while in Ketawai Island were the leaves>roots>rhizomes. The seagrass anatomical structure showed that the higher the lead concentration entering the seagrass body part, the higher the thickening on the endodermis and exodermis cell walls of the roots and rhizomes, as well as on the cuticles and the leaf epidermis. In general, the occurring anatomical changes is one of the plant strategies to minimize the translocation of lead in the seagrass Cymodocea serrulata tissues and seagrasses have a high tolerance to heavy metals.

 

Keywords: Seagrass, Cymodocea serrulata, heavy metal, lead, anatomical response