Seasonal dynamics of the degree of asymmetry of the leaf plate of some plants in oil-contaminated areas (Astrakhan region)

Melnik I., Drozdova A.

Being in equilibrium with environmental factors, any ecosystem has a complex set of mobile biological bonds that are broken under the influence of anthropogenic factors. The most accessible and widely used morphogenetic measure of impaired developmental stability is fluctuating asymmetry. Evaluation of the seasonal dynamics of the degree of asymmetry of the leaf plate of some plants was carried out on the territory of the Sokolovsky oilfields in the Astrakhan region. The bioindicators used were phanophytes (elm elm, black mulberry, narrow-leaved loch) and xerophytes (burdock, black nightshade, sprawling), growing both in the oilfields and in the recreation zone (control). Research results indicate a pronounced seasonal variability of the degree of asymmetry of the leaf plates of plants, due to both their species specificity and anthropogenic, natural factors. In all plants, the degree of asymmetry on the nefteyams is higher than in the control. Fanerofity (small-leaved elm, black mulberry, narrow-leaved sucker) have a high value of the studied indicator on both oil and control, corresponding to 5 points, i.e. plants are in critical condition.

Keywords:Sokolovsky Nefteyams, fluctuating asymmetry, pollution, bioindication, phanophytes, xerophytes, oil products