Induction of Ascorbate Peroxidase and Glutathione Reductase Activities by Interactions of Mixtures of Air Pollutants

Abstract

The response of ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities in peas (Pisum sativum var. Waverex) was investigated after three weeks of exposure to mixed fumigations with S0₂, NO, and O, (0.050 parts per million each) and increasing concentrations of O, (0-0.150 parts per million). The results show that plants respond similarly to a high concentration (0.150 parts per million) of a single air pollutant (ozone) and to mixtures of air pollutants (S0₂, NO: and O,) when individual concentrations are low (0.050 parts per million each). In both cases, levels of ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase activites were approximately twice those to be found in plants grown in charcoal-filtered air (p 0.01).

Key Words:

• sulphur dioxide
• nitrogen dioxide
• ozone
• vitamin C
• antioxidants
• lipid peroxidation