Abstract:
Short communication: Anatomical changes in the roots, rhizomes, and leaves of
seagrass (Cymodocea serrulata) in response to lead. Biodiversitas 20: 25832588.
Runoff
of
heavy
metals
as
a
result
of
urban
and
industrial
development
is
a
potential
threat
for
seagrass
populations
in
the
coast.
The
objectives
of
this
study
were
to
study
the
anatomical
changes
in
the
tissues
of
roots,
rhizomes,
and
leaves
of
seagrass
Cymodocea
serrulata
in
response
to
treatment
with
different
concentrations
of
lead
(Pb)
for
different
time
durations.
This
experiment
used
heavy
metal
Pb
from
a
solution
of
Pb
(NO3)
2-
with a concentration of 0 ppm, 5 ppm, 10 ppm, and 15 ppm and the
treatment period extended up to 4 weeks with 3 replications. Analysis of changes in
anatomical features showed that exodermis and endodermis cells in the roots thickened
as lead concentration increased. The air spaces in the root cortex and rhizome also
widened. Thickening of cell walls occurred in the epidermis and endodermis of rhizome.
Likewise, in the leaves, thickening occurred in the upper and lower cuticle and also the
upper and lower epidermis. In general, changes in anatomical features of root, rhizome,
and leaves were observed in response to increasing lead concentrations. The results
showed that C. serrulata developed some level of tolerance to heavy metals, especially
lead.
