Metal (Pb, Cd, and Cu)-induced reactive oxygen species accumulations in aerial root cells of the Chinese banyan (Ficus microcarpa).

The current study evaluated the toxicity of three heavy metals to aerial roots of the Chinese banyan (Ficus microcarpa), which is a tree species native to China. In a laboratory experiment, segments of aerial roots cut from trees were treated with 0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μM of lead, cadmium, or copper (Cu). The contents of these heavy metals in cells increased and root cell viability decreased with increases in treatment concentration. High levels of reactive oxygen species accumulated in the aerial root sections after heavy metal treatment. Both biochemical assay and histochemical localization showed that O(2) (•-), which is a precursor of H(2)O(2) accumulated in root sections and that the amount accumulated was positively related to heavy metal concentration, especially for Cu-treated samples. Histochemical staining with diaminobenzidine (DAB) and a fluorometric scopoletin oxidation assay indicated that the amount of H(2)O(2) accumulated was positively related to heavy metal concentration in the treatments; the scopoletin fluorescence assay was more sensitive and efficient than DAB staining for detection and quantification of H(2)O(2). The results indicate that aerial roots are sensitive to heavy metal-induced oxidative damage and that aerial roots have the potential to be used as indicators of heavy metal pollution in urban areas.