Alterations in the Anatomy and Ultrastructure of Leaf Blade in Norway Maple (Acer platanoides L.) Growing on Mining Sludge: Prospects of Using This Tree Species for Phytoremediation

Alterations in leaf architecture can be used as an indicator of the substrate toxicity level as well as the potential of a given plant species in the phytoremediation of polluted areas, e.g., mining sludge. In this work, we demonstrated, for the first time, the nature and scale of alterations in leaf architecture at the tissue and cellular levels occurring in Norway maple growing on mining sludge originating from a copper mine in Lubin (Poland). The substrate differs from other mine wastes, e.g., calamine or serpentine soils, due to an extremely high level of arsenic (As). Alterations in leaf anatomy predominantly included the following: (1) a significant increase in upper epidermis thickness; (2) a significant decrease in palisade parenchyma width; (3) more compact leaf tissue organization; (4) the occurrence of two to three cell layers in palisade parenchyma in contrast to one in the control; (5) a significantly smaller size of cells building palisade parenchyma. At the cellular level, the alterations included mainly the occurrence of local cell wall thickenings—predominantly in the upper and lower epidermis—and the symptoms of accelerated leaf senescence. Nevertheless, many chloroplasts showed almost intact chloroplast ultrastructure. Modifications in leaf anatomy could be a symptom of alterations in morphogenesis but may also be related to plant adaptation to water deficit stress. The occurrence of local cell wall thickenings can be considered as a symptom of a defence strategy involved in the enlargement of apoplast volume for toxic elements (TE) sequestration and the alleviation of oxidative stress. Importantly, the ultrastructure of leaf cells was not markedly disturbed. The results suggested that Norway maple may have good phytoremediation potential. However, the general shape of the plant, the significantly smaller size of leaves, and accelerated senescence indicated the high toxicity of the mining sludge used in this experiment. Hence, the phytoremediation of such a substrate, specifically including use of Norway maple, should be preceded by some amendments—which are highly recommended.