Effect of essential micronutrients on catalase enzyme activity in Tilia sp. leaves growing in urban areas

Abstract

Changes in the urban environment can have serious effects on plants, including changes in the availability of certain essential micronutrients. Micronutrients are needed in very small amounts and are often required as cofactors for enzyme activity. In this study, the concentrations of selected essential micronutrients (B, Cu, Mn, and Zn) and the activity of the enzyme catalase in leaves of Tilia sp. were measured. The study was conducted in urban parks in Belgrade, Pancevo and Smederevo, exposed to various sources of pollution from traffic and industry. Control site was located in an area without a direct source of pollution. Results of this study revealed toxic B content in leaves of Tilia sp. from Belgrade, while deficiency of this element was measured in Pancevo. Deficit in Zn content was measured in almost all examined individuals, while Mn deficit was measured in Belgrade and at the Control site. The lowest values of catalase activity were measured in Tilia sp. at the Control site, which indicates that the Zn and Mn deficiencies cause slightly lower vitality of Tilia sp. at the Control site compared to the same trees at the other sites. On the other hand, the highest catalase activity measured in Belgrade could be the result of B toxicity. The results of the discriminant analysis (DA) showed that Belgrade site is clearly separated from the other three sites, with B and Mn contributing the most.