Multispectral and anatomical assessment of chromium and nickel accumulation in urban weeds

Early detection of heavy metal stress in plants is essential for effective environmental monitoring, particularly in contaminated urban areas. This study evaluated whether remote sensing combined with simplified anatomical diagnostics can provide a rapid and reliable method for detecting chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) stress in common urban weed species. Five species were selected: Trifolium pratense, Rumex acetosa, Alcea rosea, Amaranthus retroflexus, and Plantago lanceolata. Visible plant injuries were assessed using Evans Blue staining and image-based anatomical analysis, which enabled distinguishing between living, partially damaged, and dead cells. Multispectral observations using a MicaSense RedEdge-M camera allowed calculation of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to detect stress-related changes in photosynthetic apparatus. The studied species differed in their capacity to accumulate and translocate Cr and Ni. Metal bioaccumulation was low in all species (bioconcentration factor < 1), with the highest Ni accumulation observed in Plantago lanceolata. Translocation of both metals was the greatest in Trifolium pratense and Amaranthus retroflexus. Hydrogen peroxide levels increased in roots and leaves of all species, particularly in Alcea rosea. Despite the absence of visible injuries, microscopic anatomical changes were detected in T. pratense and R. acetosa, while NDVI values differed between sites. In summary, this study indicates that no simple relationship was found between physiological stress parameter values and NDVI. It is important to emphasize the need for continued research under controlled conditions with specific doses of PTEs salts. This should clearly demonstrate the relationship between plant physiological responses to stress and the results of multispectral observations.