Antioxidant response to metal pollution in Phragmites australis from Anzali wetland

This research was conducted to examine variations of antioxidant enzyme activity in Phragmites australis as a biomarker for metals such as As, Pb, Cu, and Cd. Samples of sediment and plants were collected from 7 stations located in Anzali wetland. Biochemical parameters including Catalase, Peroxidase and Ascorbate Peroxidase activity were analyzed in the roots, stems and leaves of P. australis. The obtained results indicated that there were significant differences among activities of antioxidant enzymes in three organs (p < 0.05). Antioxidant enzyme activities in the organs for all studied stations were as the following order: stem < leaf < root. Overall, significant positive correlations were observed among concentrations of metals in sediments and activities of antioxidant enzymes in P. australis. As a result, it can be concluded from this study that antioxidant enzymes are good biomarkers reflecting metal contamination in sediments of Anzali wetland.