Aqueous extracts of common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and European oak (Quercus robur L.) leaves from leaf litter were used as allochthonous source of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to investigate cell response of starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa (Desv.) J. Groves) at enzymatic, cell membrane and whole cell levels. Dose and time dependent exposure experiments with leaf litter extracts including 30 day leaf litter degradation ones, were carried out to show activity modulations of oxidative stress enzymes, cell resting potential (RP) and survivorship. Charophytes manifested a certain level of antioxidative resilience depending on the DOC source. Relatively more sensitive reactions were detected at enzymatic level, however, to identify irreversible cell RP changes and lethality, higher than those of natural aquatic bodies DOC concentrations or prolonged exposure were needed. Changes in activities of oxidative stress enzymes and cell membrane potential invoked by extracts predicted cell mortality, which allowed us to presume causality between more sensitive initial reactions and lethality. By linking lake and lake shore ecosystems it was concluded that beech and oak leaf litter has the potential to adversely affect algae and, thus, might eventually be important environmental factor impacting aquatic vegetation species diversity in freshwater ecosystems.

Raktažodžiai: Nitellopsis obtusa, oxidative stress enzymes, resting potential, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur