Anatomo-morphological structure features of Chimaphila umbellata leaf on industrial dumps (Middle Ural)

Global anthropogenic transformation of natural ecosystems leads to a decrease in the stability of plant communities, partial or complete destruction of vegetation over large areas. In the Middle Urals, significant areas are occupied by dumps of mining and processing industry enterprises. After dumps conservation the process of self-overgrowth of forest phytocenoses is take place by the typical forest species, among which are Chimaphila umbellata (L.) W.P.C. Barton. The internal structure of the leaf, as the main organ of photosynthesis, reflects the adaptability of the species to environment. Leaf is also capable to adaptive changes under stressful conditions. In this regard, the structural changes of the photosynthetic apparatus are usfull in bioindication and biomonitoring. The purpose of the study was to compare the leaf anatomical and morphological features of Ch. umbellata, growing on the dumps of mining industry (Shabrovsky talc-magnesite deposit), ash dumps (Verkhnetagil’skaya Thermal Power Station) and in the natural forest phytocenosis in the Middle Urals (subzone of the southern Taiga). Leaf anatomical and morphological parameters were studed using the program of the digital image analysis Simagis Mesoplant. The plants of Ch. umbellata from anthropogenic habitates were characterized by a higher thickness of leaves, spongy mesophyll and upper cuticle, as well as a decrease in the density of stomata with an increase in their size. These structural changes are associated with strengthening the barrier function of epidermis, as well as the optimization of gas exchange and transpiration processes under technogenesis conditions. The plasticity of the photosynthetic apparatus of Ch. umbellata contributes to the successful survival of this species in unfavorable environmental conditions of transformed ecosystems.