Aerotechnogenic pollution effects on photosynthetic apparatus of Scorzonera glabra Rupr

This research aims to determine the level of photosynthetic pigments' concentration and to identify the structure of mesophyll in Scorzonera glabra Rupr. leaves under exposure to aerotechnogenic pollution. The obtained samples were collected in the vicinity of Karabash copper smelter. The increase in epidermal thickness, the number and volume of mesophyll cells, the number of chloroplasts and concentration of chlorophyll a and carotenoids in plant leaves from the impact zone was identified and compared to the control zone. Clearly, these differences in photosynthetic apparatus are seen as adaptive features, which allow individual plants to grow naturally in polluted areas.