Biochemical and enzymatic variations in the moss Leucodon sciuroides under zinc-induced stress
September 9, 2026
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| Article Title: | Biochemical and enzymatic variations in the moss Leucodon sciuroides under zinc-induced stress |
| Authors: | Menaiaia K., Bouzahouane H., Belkhir M., Bouamrane C., Khedir H., Ouahab A., Rouainia S. |
| Affiliation: | Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Souk Ahras, P.O. Box 1553, Souk-Ahras 41000, Algeria Laboratory of Environmental Biosurveillance, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, BP 12, El Hadjar, Annaba 23000, Algeria |
| Abstract: | Anthropogenic air pollution poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human health, particularly through the release of non-biodegradable heavy metals that accumulate in the environment. Leucodon sciuroides, a terrestrial bryophyte widely distributed in the Souk Ahras region, is well-adapted to harsh environmental conditions and exhibits a high capacity for metal accumulation, rendering it an ideal bioindicator for environmental assessment. In the present study, the oxidative stress response of L. sciuroides was evaluated following hydroponic exposure to varying gradients of zinc (Zn) concentrations (0.005, 0.05, 10, and 20 mg/ml) for 2, 4, 6, and 8 days. A range of physiological, biochemical, and enzymatic parameters, including chlorophyll pigments, total proteins, proline, reduced glutathione (GSH), and antioxidant enzymes (catalase CAT; ascorbate peroxidase APX), were analyzed to assess the impact of Zn-induced stress. The results showed differences among Zn treatments. Low Zn concentrations stimulated chlorophyll (a, b, and a+b) and protein contents, indicating a micronutrient effect, whereas high Zn concentrations led to marked reductions, reflecting Zn toxicity. Proline accumulation increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner, indicating oxidative stress. Antioxidant responses, including GSH content and the activities of the enzymes CAT and APX, varied according to Zn concentrations and exposure duration. The highest values were observed at intermediate Zn concentrations and during early to intermediate exposure periods, whereas lower values were recorded during prolonged exposures. Statistical analysis revealed that zinc concentration, exposure duration, and their interaction significantly affected photosynthetic pigments, protein and proline contents, as well as antioxidant defenses (APX, CAT, and GSH), indicating a physiological response strongly dependent on both concentration and time under Zn-induced stress (p < 0.05). These findings highlight the strong antioxidant capacity and stress tolerance of L. sciuroides and confirm its relevance as a sensitive bioindicator for monitoring zinc pollution in terrestrial ecosystems. |
| Keywords: | bryophytes, Leucodon sciuroides, heavy metals, souk Ahras, oxidative stress. |
| *Correspondence: | Khaoula Menaiaia, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Souk Ahras, P.O. Box 1553, Souk-Ahras 41000, Algeria, email: k.menaiaia@univ-soukahras.dz |
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