The analysis of metals biotransformation by alpine nivicolous myxomycetes from substrates

Abstract

The contents of 11 elements (Al, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Si, Zn) in the fruit bodies of 9 myxomycetes species collected in the French and Italian Alps were analyzed. The comparison of the elements concentrations in Diderma alpinum, D. fallax, D. globosum, Lamproderma arcyrioides, L. echinosporum, L. pseudomaculatum, Physarum alpestre, Ph. vernum, Trichia decipiens and substrates was made to determine the accumulative properties of myxomycetes. The highest concentration was found for Ca, Fe, and Mg in the fruit bodies of five species of myxomycetes. In most of the analyzed nivicolous myxomycetes species, the capacity for accumulation of highly toxic heavy metals Cd and Pb, as well as Zn in the three members of the genus Diderma was found. The tendency to accumulate moderately toxic heavy metal Cu was noted. The coefficient of transition of elements from substrates to myxomycetes in 8 % of specimens exceeded 100 units, in 25 % of samples had a it value from 10 to 100, 45 % - from 1 to 10, and in 22 % of samples it was less than one. It was found that micromycetes play a role of bioconcentrators, and their capacity for bioaccumulation is due to species-specific morphological and physiological characteristics and ecological features. The properties of the studied nivicolous myxomycetes to accumulate heavy metals can be used for bioindication and bioremediation of the environment.