Dubrovina O.A., Zubkova T.V., Vinogradov D.V., Gogmachadze G.D.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in conifers of prickly spruce (Pīcea pūngens.) and Western thuja (Thúja occidentális) and protective reaction of plants to environmental stress

The aim of the study was to determine the bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, and Si) in the conifers of Picea pungens and Thuja occidentalis growing in the areas of the city of Yelets, with different intensity of traffic flow and to identify the antioxidant response of plants to environmental stress. As a result of the conducted studies, not high concentrations of TM were detected in annual conifers at all the studied sites. When establishing the protective reaction of plants to the accumulation of TM in conifers by the AC value, it was found that trees growing in polluted areas had a higher level of ascorbic acid compared to the control site. Such sites, in the city of Yelets, were A. Gaiterova St. and Kommunarov St., where the maximum of the studied indicator in Picea pungens and Thuja occidentalis occurred in July -154.0-122.2 mg%. An increase in ascorbic acid in the conifers of the studied species is characteristic from May to July, in August its decrease was noted, this correlates with the accumulation of heavy metals and the expenditure of AK on their neutralization.

Keywords: PICEA PUNGENS, THUJA OCCIDENTALIS, HEAVY METALS, TECHNOGENIC POLLUTION, ASCORBIC ACID