Abstract

STORB, Romina et al. Physiological response of Lunularia cruciata (phylum Marchantiophyta) to the presence of anthracene polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. [online]. 2021, vol.56, n.4, pp.479-487. ISSN 1851-2372.  http://dx.doi.org/10.31055/1851.2372.v56.n4.34219.

Background and aims: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous, persistent, toxic and bioaccumulative pollutants, generated from the incomplete combustion of organic matter. In vascular plants, PAHs cause a decrease in biomass, alter the phenotype and inhibit photosynthesis. There is currently little information about their effect on bryophytes (sensu lato). Within this group, Lunularia cruciata (phylum Marchantiophyta) can colonize environments with anthropic impact and could be used as a bioindicator for potentially toxic constituents. The objective of this work was to study the morphological and physiological changes of L. cruciata exposed to anthracene, to determine its possible role as an indicator organism.

M&M: The plant was exposed to different concentrations of anthracene and germination percentage of gemma was evaluated, along with growth, bioaccumulation and chlorophyll content determined in thallus.

Results & Conclusions: Anthracene did not affect gemma germination, although it caused a “rosette” morphology and decreased thallus growth. On the other hand, it was observed that L. cruciata accumulated anthracene in cell walls. Anthracene did not affect the total chlorophyll content, although the ratio of chlorophylls a and b varied, with chlorophyll a decreasing and chlorophyll b increasing. This could cause a decrease in photosynthetic yield, leading to reduced plant growth. The results demonstrated that this species is tolerant to anthracene and could be used as bioindicator of PAHs.

Keywords : Antraceno; bioacumulación; bioindicadora; Lunularia cruciata; toxicidad.