BIOMONITORING OF URBAN HABITAT QUALITY BY ANATOMICAL LEAF PARAMETERS IN TIMI OARA

The use of anatomical features from the leaf has been evaluated in solving different kind of problems.The interactions between different plant species and urban habitat quality were extensively investigated by different authors. Studies concerning the anatomy of the vegetative organs under conditions of pollution have been carried out. The necessity of studying the capacity of plant species for bioindication of anthropogenic pollution defines the aim of this study: to analyze some anatomical leaf characteristics in urban area. The photos were taken with an Cannon photo camera, using an Optika research microscope. In the mesophyll and epidermis of the plants from polluted sites isolate dark spots or massive deposits of polyphenolic compounds could be observed. We conclude that Plantago is a suitable bioindicator of urban habitat quality as it is a commonly distributed species, which is easy to sample and shows a clear anatomical response to differences in habitat quality. The thickness of the foliar lamina has decreased. The stomatal density was higher at the abaxial side in comparison with the adaxial side. The present study provides a good basis for further research on impact of the environment to anatomical structure of the plants.