Content of mineral elements, pigments and low-molecular weight antioxidants on the leaves of Tilia cordata Mill. in the transport zone of urban ecosystems

The leaves of Tilia cordata were taken in the sections of the transport zone of urban areas along the main and secondary roads; leaves from the pedestrian zone were used as a control. The study of the content of mineral elements, pigments - chlorophylls a and b, low molecular weight antioxidants - reduced forms of ascorbic acid and glutathione. The gross content of macro-, microelements and toxic elements in leaves was determined by optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma; quantitative content of chlorophylls - in acetone extract by spectrophotometric method. The total content of ascorbic acid and glutathione was analyzed by high - performance liquid chromatography; the total reducing activity - by titration of plant extracts with potassium Iodate solution under standard conditions. The increased accumulation of macro-, microelements and heavy metals in Linden leaves in the transport zone was established. The changes in the content and ratio of chlorophylls a and b, as well as low molecular weight anti-oxidants in the leaves of plants of the transport zone in comparison with these indicators in the pedestrian zone are shown. The physiological and biochemical properties of Linden leaves studied by us show a high correlation with the anthropogenic impact in the transport zone of urban ecosystems.