This study employs state-of-the-art analytical tools to investigate the ecotoxicological impacts of mercury contamination on aquatic macrophytes in post-military zones, focusing on Typha latifolia and Lemna minor as model organisms. The research methodology integrates multiple analytical techniques: spectrophotometric chlorophyll quantification using the Holm-Wettstein method, atomic absorption spectrometry utilizing a C-115PK Selmi spectrometer (precision ±0.001 mg/L), and fluorescence analysis via Flyuorat-02-Panorama spectrofluorometer. Through this comprehensive analytical approach, we elucidated the bioaccumulation patterns and physiological responses of these hydrophytes to varying concentrations of mercury (0.35-2.0 mg/L). Results demonstrated differential bioaccumulation capacities between T. latifolia and L. minor, with the latter exhibiting higher mercury sequestration potential (0.51 mg/kg vs 0.4 mg/kg dry weight). Concentration-dependent phytotoxic effects were observed, manifesting as morphological alterations, chlorophyll degradation, and disruption of photosynthetic processes. Notably, a consistent increase in the chlorophyll b to chlorophyll a ratio was documented, indicative of selective degradation of photosystem II under mercury stress. The study further revealed the inactivation of key Calvin cycle enzymes, leading to attenuated carbon fixation and overall photosynthetic capacity. These findings not only elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings of mercury toxicity in aquatic macrophytes but also underscore their potential as bioremediators in mercury-contaminated aquatic ecosystems. The research provides critical insights for developing targeted phytoremediation strategies and ecosystem restoration protocols in post-military aquatic environments.
1. Alpatova, O., Maksymenko, I., Patseva, I., Khomiak, I., & Gandziura, V. (2022). Hydrochemical state of the post-military operations water ecosystems of the Moschun, Kyiv region. 16th International Conference Monitoring of Geological Processes and Ecological Condition of the Environment (pp. 1-5). doi: https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.2022580145
2. Gandziura, V. P., Afanasyev, S. O., & Biedunkova, O. O. (2023). The concept of hydroecosystems' health (a review). Hydrobiological Journal, 59(2), 3-17. doi: https://doi.org/10.1615/hydrobj.v59.i2.10
3. Institute for the Study of War. (2022). Interactive map: Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Retrieved from https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/36a7f6a6f5a9448496de641cf64bd375
4. Janowicz, L. M., & Stadniczenko, A. P. (2018). Symptomatic complex of the poisoning of Planorbarius corneus (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Pulmonata) with chrom (III)-sulfate of the water environment. Biology and Ecology, 4(2), 100-105. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.2368735
5. Khilchevskyi, V. K., Grebin, V. V., & Bolbot, H. V. (2022). River basins districts of Ukraine – Comparison with the map of Russia's armed aggression (Summer 2022). 16th International Conference Monitoring of Geological Processes and Ecological Condition of the Environment (pp. 1-5). doi: https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.2022580017
6. Kireitseva, H., Šerevičienė, V., Zamula, I., & Khrutba, V. (2024). Internal and external factors of use and conservation of water resources in Zhytomyr region. Journal Environmental Problems, 9(1), 43-50. doi: https://doi.org/10.23939/ep2024.01.043
7. Kyrychuk, G. Ye., Muzyka, L. V., & Mykula, M. M. (2024). Peculiarities of low concentrations of heavy metal ions' effect on β-carotene content in Lymnaea stagnalis. Hydrobiological Journal, 60(4), 72-84. doi: https://doi.org/10.1615/HydrobJ.v60.i4.50
8. Pasichna, O. O., Gorbatiuk, L. O., Platonov, M. O., Burmistrenko, S. P., & Godlevska, O. O. (2023). Biomonitoring of heavy metals pollution in lakes of Kyiv (Ukraine) using submerged macrophytes and assessment of their phytoremediative potential. Hydrobiological Journal, 59(5), 80-92. doi: https://doi.org/10.1615/HydrobJ.v59.i5.50
9. Tsyhanenko-Dziubenko, I., Kireitseva, H., & Demchuk, L. (2023). Dynamics of heavy metal compounds allocation in urbohydrotops of Kyiv region in post-military conditions. 17th International Conference Monitoring of Geological Processes and Ecological Condition of the Environment (pp. 1-5). doi: https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.2023520066
10. Tsyhanenko-Dziubenko, I., Šerevičienė, V., & Ustymenko, V. (2024). Dissecting biochemical mechanisms that mediate tolerance to military chemical stressors in diverse malacological systems. Environmental Problems, 9(1), 51-58. doi: https://doi.org/10.23939/ep2024.01.051