Photosynthetic pigments and peroxidase activity as indicators of heavy metal stress in the Grey mangrove, Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh.

Mangroves have been observed to possess a tolerance to high levels of heavy metals, yet accumulated metals may induce subcellular biochemical changes, which can impact on processes at the organism level. Six month-old seedlings of the grey mangrove, Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh, were exposed to a range of Cu (0-800 micrograms/g), Pb (0-800 micrograms/g) and Zn (0-1000 micrograms/g) concentrations in sediments under laboratory conditions, to determine leaf tissue metal accumulation patterns, effects on photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids), and the activity of the antioxidant enzyme peroxidase. Limited Cu uptake to leaves was observed at low sediment Cu levels, with saturation and visible toxicity to Cu at sediment levels greater than 400 micrograms/g. Leaf Pb concentrations remained low over a range of Pb sediment concentrations, up to 400 micrograms/g Pb, above which it appeared that unrestricted transport of Pb occurred, although no visible signs of Pb toxicity were observed. Zn was accumulated linearly with sediment zinc concentration, and visible toxicity occurring at the highest concentration, 1000 micrograms/g Zn. Significant increases in peroxidase activity and decreases in photopigments were found with Cu and Zn at concentrations lower than those inducing visible toxicity. Significant increases in peroxidase activity only, were found when plants were exposed to Pb. Positive linear relationships between peroxidase activity and leaf tissue metal concentrations were found for all metals. Significant linear decreases in photosynthetic pigments with increasing leaf tissue metal concentrations were observed with Cu and Zn only. Photosynthetic pigments and peroxidase activity may be applicable as sensitive biological indicators of Cu and Zn stress, and peroxidase activity for Pb stress in A. marina.