Histochemical and micromorphological changes in leaves of plants exposed to benzene

Abstract

The environment most directly affected by human contamination is the soil. Evaporation of oil derived is also an important negative impact on the environment. The aim was to evaluate the indicator responses disorders of Brachiaria brizantha (A. Rich.) Stapf, Impatiens walleriana Hook. F. and Pteris vittata L. when exposed to benzene. To assess to disorders were made direct injection testes and benzene mist on the species. Brachiaria brizantha and P. vittata showed intense accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and cell death in the leaves, as I. walleriana was the species that behaved in the opposite way, possibly by having an efficient antioxidant system. The three species showed phytotoxic effects, such as changes in stomatal density and stomatal size. The micromorphological characteristics influence the sensitivity and plant resistance, and I. walleriana was sensitive to benzene misting and B. brizantha and P. vittata were more resistant because it avoided the benzene absorption in the atmosphere.