Effects of contaminant exposure on plants

Abstract

The results of long-term field experiments in the 30-km Chernobyl NPP zone, in the vicinity of the radioactive wastes storage facility (Leningrad Region), and in Bryansk Region affected by the ChNPP accident that have been carried out in our laboratory on different species of wild and agricultural plants are discussed. These findings indicate that plant populations growing in areas with relatively low levels of pollution are characterized by the increased level of both cytogenetic disturbances and genetic diversity. The seeds from plant populations experiencing a mancaused impact showed a higher radioresistance than the reference ones. Therefore, the chronic low-dose exposure appears to be an ecological factor creating preconditions for possible changes in the genetic structure of a population. These processes have a genetic basis; therefore, understanding changes at the genetic level should help in identifying more complex changes at higher levels. Presented findings add to filling a major gap in our knowledge on remote effects of man-made impact on plant populations and ecosystems. © 2006 Springer.