Anatomical, Morphological and Biochemical Characteristics of Picea obovata Ledeb. in Plantings on a Dredge Dump After Gold Mining (Middle Urals)

Due to the intense anthropogenic impact on natural ecosystems, the study of the adaptive capabilities of woody plants used in the reclamation of industrial waste dumps is of particular importance. The aim of the study was to study the anatomical, morphological and biochemical characteristics of 22-year-old Picea obovata Ledeb. at the dump after gold mining in the Sverdlovsk region. Morphological parameters were measured in the field. Anatomical parameters were increased in cross-sections using the SIAMS MesoPlant image processing system. The level of lipid peroxidation and the content of low molecular weight antioxidants (proline, ascorbic acid, and phenolic compounds) in conifers were analyzed using standard spectrophotometric methods. P. obovata Ledeb appeared in the landfill after gold mining, where no measures were taken to improve the properties of the substrate. The trees showed a decrease in height, trunk diameter at the root neck, branch growth, and needle length. The photosynthetic apparatus reacts to stress by increasing the cross-sectional area of the needle, the area of the central cylinder and the total area of the resin channel, and thickening the epidermal tissue. Under unfavorable landfill conditions, an increase in the level of lipid peroxidation was shown, accompanied by the accumulation of proline and ascorbic acid in the needle. Correlation analysis showed that the decrease in the morphological parameters of the trees and the increase in the studied anatomical parameters of the needles were significantly influenced by the insufficient content of total organic carbon, Ca, Mg, phosphorus and moisture in the substrate. An increase in the content of proline and ascorbic acid in conifers occurred with a decrease in humidity and phosphorus content in the substrate. These experimental data can be used to assess the condition of woody plants and to restore forests in areas disturbed by industry.