Department of Applied Biology and Biochemistry, National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe
Research Article
Oxidative Stress Associated with Pollutants from Coal Mining Activities on Aquatic Plants: A Case Study of Hwange, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe
Author(s): Joanna B. Change*, Andrew H. Siwela and Norah Basopo
Pollution of water systems is a potential threat to human health as pollutants absorbed by primary sources in the food chain bio-accumulate. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of coal effluent on the oxidative stress status of aquatic plants. Water and plant samples were collected from four different sites in a coal mining area during the wet and dry seasons. Physical parameters of the water samples were measured on site. Effluent from an underground acid rock drainage point exhibited low pH and high levels of TDS and conductivity. Plants were analyzed for copper, zinc, cadmium and lead. High concentrations of lead and zinc were observed in plants sampled from all sites. Significantly higher metal concentrations were observed during the wet season than the dry season. Plant homogenates were used to determine the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione .. View More»
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